The Emmett index. [volume] (Emmett, Idaho) 1893-1925, 1921-03-03
IRRIGATION MEASURE
GIVEN BOOST
House Passes Two Worthy Bills
After Hearing Governors
Special Plea.

House bills Nos. 80 and 143, of
special interest and value to the EN-
NETT Irrigation district as well as to
other districts in the state, received
the approval of the house Monday, af-
ter Governor Davis, in special mes
sage delivered in person, had cham
pioned the cause of both measures and
had pointed out their value.
Bill No. 80 providing for the issu-
ance of bonds for draining and irri-
cation which are direct lien upon
the land and property benefited. 1t
carries no appropriation and under its
provisions the state will be burdened
with no expense of it's administration.
The entire expense of administering
the bill, doing the work and redeem
ing the bonds under the provisions OF
this bill is borne by the land which
is benefited.
Governor Davis said:
The first consideration Of body of
law makers is to make certain that
the taxpayers of the state are pro-
tected against any encroachment upon
their right. How does this bill abso-
lutely protect the taxpayers in this
county? The safeguards are usually
stringent and numerous and it may be
well to specify them to more cleary
bring them before your honorable
body.
First. A substantial petition sign
ed by resident taxpayers whose lands
must pay the burden of the work to
be performed must be submitted to
the county commissioners.
Second The county commissioners
give the petition consideration and
must submit it to the consideration of
the state.
Third. The commissioners of rec
lamation must pass upon the feasibil- I
ity, plans, water supply and cost of
the project.
Fourth Money must be deposited
by petitioners to cover all costs of in
vestigation and election.
Fifth. Two-thirds majority of res
ident taxpayers must vote favorably.
Sixth. District court must confirm
all proceedings and assessments.
Seventh Matter can then be taken
to supreme court.
Eighth. No direct financial burden
is assumed by state or county.
DIX aooh
The state through it's reclamation
department is charged with the re-
sponsibility of examining eacn pro-
posed project and passing upon it's
feasibility and merits. The utmost
publicity is called for in every step
taken, and it is inconceivable that
there could be any taxpayer in any
county who would not be informed
upon any proposed project in his coun-
ty prior to the time he will be called 1
upon to vote.
The report of the commissioners of
reclamation must cover all questions
essential to the success of any given
enterprise; the water supply, canal
construction, lands to be benefited,
cost thereof, and all other questions
affecting the enterprise must be con-
sidered and reported. If found to be
unfeasible, the commissioners must so
report and there the project stops.
II, however, the report is favorable, :
then with the information and data
contained therein before them, the
qualified tax paying electors in the
county decide by an election to be
called for that purpose whether or
not the bonds shall be issued. A two
thirds vote Of the taxpayers is neces- I
sary to authorize the financing of the I
project.
House bill No. 143 is the familiar
county unit irrigation bill, which per-
puits counties, on two-thirds vote of G
1heir qualified electors, to issue bonds !
for the assistance and promotion Of
reclamation districts. II
Buys Town Property
Mrs. j. C. Lloyd this week bought a
from Mr.. Mann of New Plymouth the O