Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1920-07-09
REPORT FEASIBILITY
OF COLUMBIA PROJECT
One and Three-Quarter Million Acres
Can BE Reclaimed Through
Columbia Basin Irrigation
Project

! The Columbia Basin irrigation
project, using a gravity supply of
water from the Pend Oreille river,
under present conditions, will cost
when completed $171.40 per acre
with water delivered at the farm
unit, according to the report of the
Columbia Basin Survey commission
| Hart.
The crop results now being OBJ
tanned on adequately watered areas
in the state justify a development
| cost for the Columbia Basin much
higher per acre than that prospect,
says the report.
After more than years investi-
| cation of available sources of water
supply, of methods of distribution
and a complete land classification of
! the Columbia Basin area the report
submitted to the governor shows
that 1,753,000 acres of land in
Adams, Grant, Franklin and Walla
Walla counties can be reclaimed.
Depending upon the size of in
dividual ownership from 10000 to
10000 farms will be developed, ac-
cording to the report, which also
shows that by using a gravity sup
ply from the Pend Oreille, which is
the most practical and economical
source, there will be two or three
times the amount of water necessary
to meet any irrigation demand"
The report also contains studies
of water supply from Wenatchee
lake and from the Columbia river
showing slightly higher cost per
acre of the former and the infeas-
Utility of the latter.
The area within the Columbia
Basin that could be watered from
these sources, however, are consid-
erably less than those proposed to
be irrigated from the Pend Oreille.
In resume of its Investigations,
the commission shows that:
There is an abundance of water
that can be conveyed to the Column
bia Basin lands by gravity.
There are no serious engineering
features.
The irrigable land is of excellent
quality. Much of it has been titled
and will require small expense 10
prepare for irrigation.
The topography of the Columbia
Basin lands lends itself to an eco
nomical distribution of water.
The productivity of the land has
been amply proven by results OBJ
tanned on small tracts within this
area.
The splendid climate, abundance
of sunshine, long growing season
and the fertile lands assure abund-
ant and dependable yields.
The APPLICATION of water to the
Columbia Basin lands will yield prod
ucts which will add greatly to the
wealth of the state and nation"
says the report. Lack of adequate
rainfall upon the greater part of the
area is the only factor which has
prevented it becoming a thriving as
ricultural region. In soil and eli
mate it is probably unequaled by q
similar area in the country"
Adjoining the area which can be
irrigated by gravity water supply
/ according to the report, are 1885,
/ 600 acres which are not suited for
intensive cultivation but which will
largely be available for grazing.
An additional 81, 900 acres can be ir-
rigated by pumping less than $50
feet in height, and $4,000 acres by
a higher lift. Pumping areas, how
ever, are not included in the present
estimates of the commission. Dur
ing the irrigation season it will be
possible to develop power for pump
ing or other use varying from co.
600 to 100000 horsepower at drops
in the distribution system.
The project will be settled "a
rapidly as water is available for the
several units" says the report
Now largely in private ownership,
with local development well ad-
vanced, transportation available
throughout the region, agricultural
conditions which will equal or ex-
eel areas now irrigated in the state,
these lands will return to the set
tiers every year a substantial profit
over all costs"
According to the commission IL
will be able to control prices at
which settlers can acquire farms
i nd