Imperial Valley press., 1935-04-30
SENATE ASKS
RATIFICATION
Of CONTRACT
Joint Resolution Urging Gov
ernment To Withhold Com
pact Unanimously Approved
ARIZONA PLANS PROGRAM
Entire State Jubilant Over
Court Decision Upholding Its
Claims
ARIZONA PLANS PROGRAM

SACRAMENTO, April 30. W.P -
A joint resolution asking the state
legislature to urge federal authori-
ties not to execute any contract
with the state of Arizona for stor-
age or delivery of water until that
state ratifies and adopts the Colo
RADIO river compact was unami-
mously approved by the California
senate today.
The resolution pointed out that
representatives of seven western
states approved and signed the
Colorado river compact at Santa
Fe, N. M, on November "a, 1882,
and that Arizona has ever since
refused and now refuses to ratify"
the compact
Failure of the state of Arizona
to ratify and adopt the compact
throws an unwarranted burden up
on the other six states and would
discriminate against such states in
favor of Arizona" the resolution
said.
Sen. Ed Fletcher, San Diego, pre-
pared the resolution.
PHOENIX, Ariz., April 80. U.P)--
A two fold development program
was planned for southwestern Ari-
zona today as a result of the states
victory in its 13-year-old battle ov-
er Colorado river waters.
Plans were already under way for
Transforming the vast southwest
area into a rich agricultural dis
trict as result of the United States
supreme courts decision, dismiss
| ing the government IS action to
prevent Arizona from interfering
with construction of the Parker
dam.
James r. Moore, special counsel
for the Colorado river commission,
outlined a program involving agri-
cultural and navigation develop
ments for the state.
He pointed out that construction
of the Parker dam would have di-
verted millions of gallons of Color
though it rightfully belonged to
Arizona under the long established
rule of riparian rights.
"Now,' he said, "we can either
bring about a division of Colorado
river water, giving Arizona $780,
600 acre feet, in addition to the
water from the Gila river, or we
can seek California IS cooperation
in applying for federal funds to
finance the proposed southwestern
Arizona Irrigation District and Col
orado shipping channel.
The first project would probably
cost about $50,000,00 the latter ap-
proximately $7,50o,0OO, Moore said.
Secretary of Interior Harold L.
Ickes said today additional legis-
lation would be needed from con-
gress before work can be resumed
on the Parker dam.
81 think we will need legisla-
ton on that particular project he
said, commenting on the supreme
court decision dissolving the gov
ernment's order restraining Ari-
zona IS interference with tne oeVel-
opment.
Ickes said several senate and
house members "already are in
terested in drawing up a bill
which would correct the controver-
sy between Arizona, the govern
ment and other affected states.
The supreme court decision, he
said, would not affect Grand Cou-
lee and Bonneville dams in the
northwest. He added that the con-
troversy "won't cost the govern
ment any money"
He explained the public works
administration which financed the
project had taken bonds OF the
Metropolitan Water District as Sc
curity for its loans.
"If there is any loss,'' he said.
"it will be on the water district. -
"Some concessions may have TO
be made to Arizona in the state IS
fight for water storage rights, =
! IckeS said