Great Falls tribune. [volume] (Great Falls, Mont.) 1921-current, 1921-09-08

? Further progress toward the settle
ment and development of the land un-
der the ditch was made when a move
ment crystallized favoring the cutting
of the Gordian knot of arrested devel-
| opment by the formation of an irriga-
ton district under the Montana state
law to take over the completed por-
ton of the Milk river project from
the Dodson dam to Nashua. That. it
was asserted, would Immediately re-
move the obstacle of unknown cost per
| acre of placing the water on the land.
which it had been charged by mem
bers of the organization was the prin-
| clpal reason for lack of movement in
the land under the ditch and the para
mount handicap to a successful col
onlzation campaign.
The Cooperative association, before
it adjourned. instructed it's executive
board of Is members. representing
every community in the territory men
toned to investigate the feasibility Of
the irrigation district and the benefits
which might accrue to the land owners
by the operation of the ditch under
that system.
Broached by Newell.
The plan was brought to the atten-
tion of the gathering by d. F. Fl.
Newell. consulting engineer of the rec
lamatlon service, as a means to bring
about the early settlement and devel-
opment of the land under the ditch,
it which had been stated by c. D.
Greenfield. agricultural agent of the
Great Northern. it is almost impossible
to handle before the actual cost of the
water is known.
If an irrigation district were to be
formed, the federal government would
Immediately turn over to the district
the operation, management and main
tenance of the ditch in so far as it is
completed. on 20 years time without
interest. making unnecessary the is
suance of bonds as is required in cases
where districts are formed to either
buy private bitches or to construct new
works.
1t had been the hope of the associ-
alton that they could get from the
secretary of the interior by the first of
the year an estimate of the cost of
the water, which would enable it to
proceed with a definite colonization
plan. DR.. Newell informed those pres
ent, however. that it was extremely
doubtful whether the information could
be secured, as the law gave the secre-
tary of the interior authority to esti-
mate the water cost only after all con-
tracts had been let. As the project is
only 54 per cent completed. with no
immediate hope of further construction
work before the necessary money can
be secured from congress, the associa-
ton then sought another way in which
the end desired might be brought about.
Tried on Other Projects.
DIR. Newell stated that the Lower
Yellowstone project in eastern Mon
tana and North Dakota, and the Willis
ton project. north of Williston. N. D..
had faced similar obstacles and had
'hviated them by the formation of irri-
cation districts and Immediately as
suming the management of the irriga-
ion works themselves. and that the
system had proved very successful and
vas satisfactory to the government.
When the districts are formed, the
cost for water Immediate
Y becomes available, which fixes A
lefinite and stable price upon the land.
making it possible to interest home
eekers. The land also Immediately
'ecomes taxable. the gathering was in
ormed, thus making it possible to raise
he maintenance fund necessary. In
ase further construction is to be en-i
aged upon, an agreement provides for'
n additional cost per acre, which in
he case of the Lower Yellowstone and
Villiston projects. it was stated, had
cen nominal and satisfactory.
Cost Is Deferred.
The cost of the construction of ad-
itional works. however, after the irri-
alton district has been formed aud
AIKEN over the original plant, is pay
Bile beginning on the 21st year after
he original contract has been fulfilled
his additional expense also has 20
ears in which to be paid. making the
nal settlement not due until 10 years
fter the formation Of the district.
1t was the unanimous sentiment Of
le meeting that the greatest OBJ
,acle to the settlement and develop
ent of the land under the Milk river
Itch was the fact that lack Of knowl-
ige of the cost of the water made
almost impossible to interest pros
sctive settlers
You can't sell man farm WITH
1t telling him what it is going to