The Bismarck tribune., 1924-09-29
IRRIGATION is
DEVELOPED IN
PARTS OF n. D.
Some Small Projects Under
Way, But Little Generally
Done in Two Years
ENGINEERS REPORT

Although development Of indivi-
dual irrigation projects in North Da-
kota during the last two years has
been somewhat handicapped through
the low prices received for farm
products and through the shortage
Of available funds for new construc-
ton, several small projects have been
developed, according to the biennial
report of w. G.. Black, state engineer.
and George Fl. Mcmahon, assistant
state engineer, detailed to irrigation
work.
Some individuals have stored wa
ter from spring flooding, making
moisture available later in the sea-
son, the report says, adding that such
methods, where tried in North Dako-
ia and elsewhere, invariably cause
an increased crop yield, sometimes
giving more than double the yield
obtained through dry land farming
methods"
Recommendation made for the de-
velopment of irrigation work include
the budgeting of funds by the legis-
lature, since the department has
been handicapped through lack of
funds for field assistants in making
surveys for reservoir sites and ire
gable areas. Action also is urged by
the legislature to reserve submerged
land for reservoir sites in number
Of projects which have been survey
ed, and that funds be made available
for cooperation with departments of
the federal government in making
surveys.
Present Project
"Also,' says the report, lit is re-
commended that attention be. given
to the development and colonization
of the irrigation projects already in
operation in this state. Particularly
is this true of the Williston and the
Lower Yellowstone Projects. 1t is
only through the intensive farming
of crops that yield high return per
acre that an irrigation project will
give the greatest return on the in
vestment. North Dakota has splen-
did opportunities to offer new set
tiers on these projects. Much has
already been done through private
initiative. However, state help
through an ample immigration fund
made available for this purpose is
advisable"
Creation of an interstate commits
sion to consider flood control pro-
blems of the Red River, which is the
common boundary of the states Of
Minnesota, North and South Dakota
is urged. =.
Through such commission the
proper plans for flood control could
be formulated and joint demand
should be made by the three states
interested that the federal govern
! ment stand it's just share of the cost
of such works as are needed to safe
guard this rich farming district from
the disastrous results which would
accompany another serious flood in
the Red River Valley" the report
| says.
Missouri Control
Regarding control of the Missouri
| River the report says:
"Navigation of the Missouri River
| in North Dakota could be revived tc
limited extent for the carrying o1
freight by means of small motor
craft if the stages of the river coule
i be regulated by the construction Of
Limpounding reservoirs at the head
quarters of the Missouri River ant
its tributaries in Montana and Wy
oming and on the tributaries of thu
Missouri River in North Dakota ant
South Dakota. These reservoir
would afford flood protection to th'
bottom lands and would save thou
sands of acres Of good farm land an
nually. This land is washed ava!
by the Missouri River floods ant
carried on down the Mississippi Riv
er. to silt up the channel and add t.
the difficulties of navigation on tina
| stream"