Glacier County chief., 1939-04-07
EXPECT TOSTON
DAM APPROVED
OKAY BY WPA Is VIRTUALLY AS
SURED, SAYS SENATOR
b. X. WHEELER
Broadwater- Missouri River Project
Calls for Construction of Diversion
Dam and Canals and Pumping and
Siphon System to Cost 5000, 900.

Public works administration ap-
proval of plans for the 100000
Broadwater-M Missouri dam is vir-
tually assured, according to word
received from Sen. Burton K.
Wheeler by John w. Mahan, pres
ident of the Helena Chamber of
Commerce. The Helena official
communicated with Montana's sem
ior senator, advising him the
Broadwater Water Users association
has signed contracts with the Ruby
River Water Users association for the
purchase Of 10000 acre-feet of water
for use of the Broadwater project. He
also asked whether announcement
could be made the project will start at
once after the stockholders had rati-
fled the proposal.
Here is the answer sent by Senator
Wheeler:
Telegram received. Notified Burlew.
He informs me they will wait for the
ratlflcation and when that comes
through everything will be satisfac-
tory"
Some time ago the original contrac-
or, Jerome G. Boespflug of Miles City,
withdrew his bid.
For Diversion Dam
The Broadwater- Missouri nroiect
calls for construction of a diversion
dam across the Missouri river near
IoSton, pumping and siphon system
under the river and nearby railroad
tracks and diversion canals to provide
water for the irrigation of about 81 900
acres of land.
After the public works administra-
ton. last Sept. 30. had approved the
S9OO.O00 project and the contract had
been let. some doubt as to the adeulacv
OF the water supply arose in the minds
OF the PWA engineers at Washington,
ID. G., and final approval was withheld
until further investigation could be
made.
Although the deadline for BEGINNING
OF work on the contract had been set
for Jan: l, an extension of time was
obtained and Dec. 10 Mahan. as rep
resentative of the Helena and Town
send Chambers of Commerce. flew to
Omaha. Neb.. to interview regional
PWA officials and later to Washington,
d. c. where he remained until the
first Of the year
Approval Is Expected
The agreement to purchase 10000
acre-feet of water from the Ruby River
water Users association was the re-
suit. Confidence was expressed that
the Broadwater association stockhold-
ers will approve the contract made bv
their board of directors for the pur-
chase.
For the construction of the project.
the PWA will if it approves the lob,
make loan of s495 900 and an out
right grant of S405.O ono. Over a period
of years the users of irrigation water
will repay money loaned The project
is sponsored by the state water con-
servation board.
Throughout the planning and devel-
opment stages of the Broadwater-
Missouri project. and in the efforts to
obtain the 100000 loan and grant and
final approval of the PWA. the Helena
Chamber of Commerce and its officers
have co-operated heartily with the
Broadwater chamber. Mahan said
1--WE believe we have shown not only
an active interest but a willingness to
help. with time. effort and money. our
Broadwater county, neighbors." he add
ed. 1--WE also feel that we have helped
ourselves. for the project will be of
great value also to Helena and Lewis
and Clark county"