The Kennewick courier-reporter. [volume] (Kennewick, Wash.) 1939-1949, 1943-03-04
SCS Arranges for
Completion of
Valley Drainage
Lowering of water table
will allow marked in
crease in production 4;
RichIand is included i'm
project

In February the engineering per.
sonnet of the Soil Conservation Serv.
ice completed the preliminary plan.
ON the drainage ditch in the Finley
Drainage District. This preliminary
work was the start of the develop
ment of a complete engineering plan
for a drainage system that will out
line in detail the construction work
necessary in the development of an
adequate system for the drainage
of approximately 1000 acres in the
vicinity of Finley and Hedges. This
plan will not only outline the con-
struction of main and secondary
bitches but will also outline pro-
gram Of maintenance and protec-
ton that will assure the efficiency
and long life of the installation.
A memorandum of understands
ing with the drainage district and
the Soil Conservation Service was
signed by both parties. This memo
randum of understanding outlined
the cooperation between the district
and the Soil Conservation Service,
and will be used as a basis for any
construction work that may be
done comparatively between the two
parties.
A work plan was also developed
and signed. This work plan outlines
the specifications of a portion of
the construction work necessary for
the completion of the entire drain
age system. Arrangements have
been made and contract signed for
the use OF the county dragline and
it Is anticipated that active con-
strlction on this portion of the
drainage ditch will begin in the
immediate future.
The drainage problem in the Fin
ley area has resulted in considerable
amount OF land becoming too wet
Tor even the production of pasture
ana large acreages are now unus-
able for cultivated crops. The work
planned for this spring should re-
suit In lowering the water table
70 sufficient depth to allow a
marked increase in the productive
capacity OF the pasture areas and
VIII decrease the probability of los
ing additional cultivated land.
"A memorandum Of understanding
mas also been developed with the
Hicnand Irrigation District and a
woanng agreement has been signed.
rms agreement outlines construction
o. snort drainage bitches which will
increase the efficiency of present
inssaiiations that have not been
adequate in the past.
Inis cooperative effort between
sae drainage and irrigation districts
ana the Soil Conservation Service
: major step toward solving the
po0iem OF decreased production
eaased by the water table being
raised so that increased acreaoes I
y cultivated lands have become 50
that they are unusable
lor cultivated crops.
a program to determine The 70.
= oa'. SOL o. using treble superphosphate
:. sliaua yields have been started
~ I'VE farms within the district
:. Inc superphosphate is supplied Inv
me sou Conservation Service and
~ records will be kept bv
.ss farmers. This work is part of
the. eilort to demonstrate practices
, ,aa, should incease production Of
vital war crops. 'toi VI
s,, nululg the meeting of the district
supervisors, = on Feb. 10, a rough draft
!, ,., ene district program was an. !
I'VE The program is now being
80 49, m final form and work has
5ist., a on the development of a :
1 ~ work plan that will Outline
,o ,r activities of the district for the :