The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1951-02-16


lines" by Montana Power and other
utility companies, whereby, as Ebaugh
pointed out, only the cream of thick
ly populated areas got electricity
leaving to the REAs the less thickly
populated areas. In discussing the
difference between MPCo and REA
rates, Ebaugh also brought out that
the private utilities had made dona-
tons of $500 on up requisite to eX-
tending lines into rural areas. Figur-
ing on a five-year contract basis
(as does RFA), and considering the
donation" as part of such total cost,
he stated that study by his of
flee showed such "spite line" pat
rons paying 500 more for electricity
the five years than do the REA pat
rons in his area.
Commercial Club President Speaks
Peter Looming, president Garfield
Commercial Club, Jordan, in express
ing opposition to lib BAT, pointed
out that in his thinly settled area
power would not be in the offing
for Garfield rural folks but for REA.
He also called attention to the $780,
900 hospital presently under construc-
ton at Jordan, and that the small
local electric plant could not pos
sibly supply the demand of the hos
pital and Jordan people-that the
only solution lies in the REA
lines being built into that county
seat town. Construction of such a
line would be financial impossi-
bility if the 40 per cent tax were to
be assessed against REA co-ops.
Homer A. Hoover of McCone Coun-
5y Electric Coop, concurred with
Mr.. Looming that HB BAT would kill
hat coop. He also contended that
out for serving Jordan, Circle and
Richey, it would not be possible to
supply the rural people of either
McCone or Garfield counties with
electricity
Jasper DeDobbeleer, representing
he Valley county REA, told the com
nittee his coop is already operating
Il
,reat number of farm families could
It possibly be connected if the con-
iscatory 40 per cent tax was levied.
Would Result In Less Tax Revenue
Sen. Weydemeyer, Lincoln county,
peaking as president of Montana
tate Grange, opposed the bill, and
aised the question if such law as
IB BAT wouldn't in reality reduce
AK revenues, traceable directly or in
irectly to expanded rural electrifica-
ion. Sen. Weydemeyer contended
nat ten years time under HB BAT
'ould show folly of the measure in 2
realty decreased sales of electrical
less jobs-in short less
ixable property and income-than
hat could be reasonably anticipated
the expansion program were not
lrtailed by such discriminatory
easures as HB347.
Alice Storer, Columbus, emphasized
lie great Improvement in rural life
nee REA came in, and the increased
Soil VI yOtiiS ldI III ptOplG 10 SbdY
/ the farm, because of the conven-
nee only electricity can bring.
John Void, Laurel, pointed out the
ng and futile struggle ranchers
his area had had to get power
ON private utilities before REA;
at in the good old days" the priv
e utility told him he would have
put of $4,000 to get power. Mr..
old also stated that HB BAT would
Use the taxes of Yellowstone Elect
; Coop from $4,000 to $4,000 per
ar He too brought out the number
jobs-upwards of $4,000 monthly
yroll on the Yellowstone project
2 great increase in electrical bus
ess volume, and other benefits yell
ystone county businessmen have en-
Jed since the coming of REA.