PROGRAM
22nJ
Annual
Convention
TIO .AL IlECLAMATIO
ASSOGIATIO
REGLAMA.TID
-
The DeveloIJ111ent
of the West
GENERAL SESSIONS-AUDITORIUM STATE BUILDINGHOTEL MAPES
RENO, NEVADA OCTOBER 14, 15, 16, 1953STATE CAUCUSES
Delegates from each State shall caucus at 10:00 A.M. Wednesday. October 14. 1953. in the rooms designated below. These caucuses shall nominate a rnem~
bel' to serve on the Board of Directors, select a member to serve on the resolutions committee and select a caucus secretary to serve until the next annual meeting. unless such member of the Board of Directors has previously been nominated and such member of the Resolutions Committee and such caucus secretary have previously been selected by a meeting of the membership of that State called by the State Director.
Arizona Redtvood Room. Riverside H olel
California Auditorium. State Building
Colorado _ _ Council Chamber. City Hall
Idaho _
F
able Room. Hotel MapesKansas Sludio B. 4th Floor. Gazette Building
125 North Center Street Montana _ Room 328. 3rd Floor. Gazette Building
125 North Center Street Nebraska Mayor·sConference Room. City Hall
Nevada Conference Room
3' ,.
Sierra Pacific Power Company. Ryland BuildingNew Mexico _ Red Cross Building
1 19 North Center Street North Dakota Studio A. 4th Floor. Gazette Building
125 North Center Street Oklahoma GazelteRoom. 2nd Floor. Ga.zelle Building
125 North Center Street Oregon _ Commissioner'sRoom. Court House
South Dakota Room330. 3rd Floor. Gazette Building
125 North Center Street Texas Direclor's Room. First N alional Bank
First and Virginia Streets
( across from Hotel Mapes)
Utah Green Room, El Cortez Hotel
Washington Recreation Room, First N alional Balik,
First and Virginia Streets
(across from H olel Mapes)
Wyoming Room 208. Riverside Hotel
CONVENTION DIRECTORY AND INFORMATION
Convention Sessions
A
uditorium. State BuildingRegistration and Information Desks
Monday and Tuesday - Lobby Hotel Mapes Wednesday. Thursday and Friday - Conference
Room. State Building
Exhibits _ _._ Auditorium. State Building
Board of Directors_. __.._... ._ _...Room 202. Hotel Mapes
The Board of Directors will meet at 10:00 A.M. Sunday. October 1Ith and thereafter at the call of the Presidnt
Resolutions Committee Room 209 Riverside Hotel
The Resolutions Committee will meet at 4 :00 P.M., Sunday. October 11tho and thereafter at the call of the Chairman
N .R.A. Office _._ _ _. __Room 2' 4 Hotel Mapes.
Phone: Hotel Mapes 2~4581, Room 214 Personnel: Wm. E. Welsh. Florence Balls.
Katharine Staggs
Department of InterioL. ... __ .__ ...__Hotel Mapes, Room 330
Call Miss Phillips at this room for appointments with Secretary McKay and other Interior Department officials
Bureau of Reclamation _._
H
olel Mapes. Room 5'4 Call Miss Gray at this room for appointments with Commissioner Dexheimer and other Bureau officials Corps of Army Engineers._ Holel Mapes. Room 302Call this room for appointments with General Sturgis and other corps officials
*
:2 --
J-/-~"f>
I
Press Room _ _ __ Conference Room. Sla.le BuildingStenographic Pool... _..Conference Room. State Building
!/(£~J!~
CONVENTION DIRECTORY WEDNESDAY
MEMBERSHIP
All members of the National Reclamation Association will receive a copy of the Proceedings of this Con~
vention and Bulletin service. Individual Contribut~ ing Memberships are $5.00; Individual Sustaining Memberships are $10.00. Ifyou have not already paid your membership dues for 1953 you may do so when you register, however, the registration fee of $5.00 does not include membership.
F or further information inquire at NRA office-Hotel Mapes--Room 214
'TOUR- z
Virginia City Lecture and Tour, Tuesday, October 13th, 11 :00 A.M.
Those taking this tour should convene in Auditorium of State Building promptly at
11
:00 A.M. to hear lecture on Virginia City by Alan Bible. Tour will start from State Building with chartered buses immediately after lecture.BUFFET
SUPPER--Wednesday Evening-October 14th-6 :00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
Redwood Room-Riverside Hotel
This event is so arranged as to give NRA members an opportunity to visit and become better acquainted. Supper will be served cafeteria style and tables set in the Red~
wood room and outside around the pool. This is a beautiful setting which you 'will enjoy. F or your con-venience and in order to accommodate all NRA members present supper will be served continuously from 6: 00 P.M. until 9 :00 P.M.
FOR
LADIES-Entertainment-see Special Ladies Program.
GENERAL SESSIONS-AUDITORIUM STATE BUILDING
HOTEL MAPES
RENO, NEVADA OCTOBER 14, 15, 16, 1953 WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON 1 :00 P.M. OPENINGSESSION-Call to order, C. Petrus Peterson, President
Introduction of presiding officer, A. M. Smith, Nevada Director 1 : 10 P.M. INVOCATION-Reverend Brewster
Adams, Pastor Emeritus, Reno, Nevada 1 :20 P.M. ADDRESS OF
WELCOl\1E-Hon. Chas. H. Russell, Governor of Nevada, Carson, City, Nevada
Hon. Francis R. Smith, Mayor of Reno, Reno, Nevada
Hon. H. G. Wells, Jr., President, Chamber of Commerce, Reno, Nevada 1 :45 P.M. President's
Message-C. Petrus Peterson, Lincoln, Nebraska 2 :30 P.M. Report of Commissioner of Reclamation, Wilbur A. Dexheimer, Washington,
D. C.
3 :00 P.M. Report of Treasurer, H.
L.
Buck, Billings, Montana3: 10 P.M. Report of Secretary Manager, Wm. E. Welsh, Washington, D. C.
3 :30 P.M. Report of State Caucuses-Caucus Secretaries 4:00 P.M. ADJOURNMENT. 4: 15 P.M. Meeting-Secretaries of State Associations, Room 214, Hotel Mapes WEDNESDAY EVENING 6:00 to
9:00 P.M. Buffet Supper-Redwood Room, Riverside Hotel
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
THURSDAY MORNING WATER USERS' PROGRAM
Presiding-R. ]. McMullin
9 :30 A.M. A moving picture, "Concrete Linings for Farm Ditches," by the Portland Cement Association
9:50 A.M. R. ]. McMullin, Chairman, Water Users Committee
Presiding-Report of Water Users Committee 10: 10 A.IV1. Picture, "Concrete Canal Lining," Salt
River, Arizona Project, and explanatory remarks by R. ]. McMullin, Project
Manager
10:40 A.M. "Running Water through the New Canals and Laterals of the World's Largest Irrigation Project," by E. H. Neal, Irrigation O. & M. Supervisor, Columbia Basin Project, Ephrata,
\1..1
ashington11 :1
0 A.M. "Evaluation of Rain Making Opera-tions in California "-R. R. Reynolds, Hydraulic Engineer, California Division of Water Resources-Sacramento, California11:40 A.M. Report Small Projects Committee and Special Sub-committee-john Bliss, Chairman, Santa Fe, New Mexico
12:00 Noon ADJOURNMENT
THURSDAY NOON
12:15 P.M. LUNCHEON-Fable Room, Hotel Mapes; Toastmaster, Walter Reed, State Senator, Virginia City
12
:45
P.M. ADDRESS-Hon. George W. Malone, U. S. Senator, Reno, Nevada12:15 P.M. LUNCHEON-Redwood Room-Riverside Hotel; Toastmaster, Hugh A. Shamberger, State Engineer, Carson City
12
:45
P.M. "Let's Reclaim Reclamation,"Hon. Pat McCarran, U. S. Senator, Reno, Nevada
THURSDAY AFTERNOON Auditorium, State Building Presiding-C. Petrus Peterson
2 :00 P.M. "The Importance of Ground Water in the Water Problems of the West," Carl Paulsen, Chief, Water Resource Division, Geological Survey, Interior Department, Washington, D. C. 2 :30 P.M. "Legal Ground Water Problems of the
West, " Wells A. Hutchins, Principal Irrigation Economist S.C.S., Berkeley, California
3 :00 P.M. "Making More of Irrigation," Dr. B. T. Shaw, Administrator Agricultural Research Administration-U.S.D.A., Washington, D. C.
3 :30 P.M. "Planning of Water Use Projects under Federal and State Law," E. O. Larson, Regional Director, U. S. Bureau of Reclamation, Salt Lake City, Utah
4:00 P.M. ADJOURNMENT
THURSDAY EVENING BANQUET
Gymnasium, University of Nevada
7 :00 P.M. Master of Ceremonies-Alfred Merritt Smith, NRA Director for Nevada, Carson City, Nevada
INVOCATION: Rev. Rafe C. Martin, St. John's Presbyterian Church, Reno, Nevada
Community Singing: Mrs. Florence Bovett, Song Leader, Reno, Nevada Introduction of President Peterson, who will introduce officers and directors of NRA and distinguished guests and Present Life Memberships
"Daddy I Want A Diamond Ring"-Song and Dance, April Kestell, Reno, Nevada
Introduction of Governor Charles H. Russell, who will introduce the speaker of the evening, The Hon. Douglas McKay, Secretary of the Interior, Washington, D. C.
Address of Secretary McKay ADJOURNMENT
FRIDAY MORNING
8 :30 A.M. State Caucuses in Rooms as designated 10:00 A.M. Moving Picture: "Columbia Frontier,"
U. S. Bureau of Reclamation C. Petrus Peterson, Presiding
10:30 A.M. "A Complete Structure"-Major Gen-eral S. D. Sturgis, Chief, Corps of Engineers, Washington, D. C.
11:00 A.M. Report-Association of Western State Engineers, R. V. Smrha, President, Topeka, Kansas
11:30 A.M. Report of Water Policy Committee-Guy C. Jackson, Chairman, Anahuac, Texas
12 :00 Noon ADJOURNMENT LUNCHEON
12: 15 P.M. LUNCHEON-Sky Room, Mapes Hotel; Toastmaster, Judge Robert W. Sawyer, former President NRA, Bend, Oregon .
Introduction of Guests
12 :45 P.M. ADDRESS-Hon. Guy Cordon, U. S. Senator, Roseburg, Oregon 12: 15 P.M. LUNCHEON-Redwood
Room-Riverside Hotel
Toastmaster, Chas. L. Kaupke, First Vice President, NRA, Fresno, Calif. Introduction of Distinguished Guests 12 :45 P.M. ADDRESS-Hon. Clair Engle,
Member of Congress, Red Bluff, Calif. FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Auditorium - State Building 2 :00 P.M. Business Sessions Committee Reports Codification Committee ]. H. lVloeur, Chairman, Phoenix, Arizona Legislative Committee Harry E. Polk, Chairman, Williston, North Dakota Land Limitation Sub-committee ]. E. Sturrock, Chairman, Austin, Texas
Resolutions Committee
H. G. Greenamyre, Chairman, Lincoln, Nebraska
Selection of Convention City for 1954 ADJOURNMENT
NOTES
TICKETS
Please purchase your tickets at Registration Desk when you Register.
TUESDAY-Virginia City TOUL
$
3.50
WEDNESDAY-Ladies Fashion Show and Luncheon $2.20 Buffet Supper (Ladies and Gentlemen) each 3.30
THURSDAY-Ladies Luncheon $2.20
Men's Luncheon... 2.20 Banquet (Ladies and Gentlemen) each 4.00
FRIDAY-Men' s Luncheon $2.20
REGISTRATION-(No registration fee for Ladies)
NATIONAL RECLAMATION ASSOCIATION
1119 NATIONAL PRESS BUILDING WASHINGTON 4, D. C.
OFFICERS
C. PETRUS PETERSON, President
CHARLES L. KAUPKE, First Vice-President
EARL T. BOWER, Second Vice-President
HERBERT L. BUCK, Treasurer
WM. E. WELSH, Secretary-Manager
DIRECTORS
]. H. MOEUR, Phoenix, Arizona CHARLES L. KAUPKE, Fresno, California
HAROLD H. CHRISTY, Pueblo, Colorado N.
V.
SHARP, Filer, IdahoCHRIS GREEN, Courtland, Kansas HERBERT L. BUCK, Billings, Montana C. PETRUS PETERSON, Lincoln, Nebraska ALFRED MERRITT SMITH, Carson City, Nevada
FRED E. WILSON, Albuquerque, New Mexico HARRY E. POLK, Williston, North Dakota
FRANK RAAB, Canton, Oklahoma L. E. COLES, Prineville, Oregon ARTHUR SVENDBY, Lemmon, South Dakota
]. E. STURROCK, Austin, Texas D. D. HARRIS, Layton, Utah E. R. WELLS, Prosser, Washington EARL T. BOWER, Worland, Wyoming
RESOLUTIONS
RECOMMENDED BY THE RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEEAPPROVED BY EACH OF THE STATE CAUCUSES AND ADOPTED BY THE
National Reclamation
Association
TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL MEETING
Reno, Nevada
October 14-16, 1953
RECLAMATION-Food and Fibre for our rapidly increasing population.
NATIONAL
RECLAMATION ASSOCIATION
1119 National Press Building Washington 4, D. C.
FOREWORD
Again we present our Resolutions, "The Voice of the West," which constitute the latest public expression of the National Reclamation Association on questions of policy and objectives.
These resolutions were adopted at our 22nd Annual Meeting in Reno, Nevada, October 14~16, 1953. We believe they outline a constructive and forward~ looking program for the continued sound and orderly development of Reclamation throughout the western half of the United States.
These resolutions were first presented to and con~ sidered and recommended by our Resolutions Com~ mittee which includes one member selected by the membership from each of our respective seventeen member states. The resolutions were next presented to the state caucuses for consideration and approval after which they were considered and approved by the entire membership.
The largest group in attendance at our convention consisted of water users-officers, directors, and representatives of irrigation districts, canal companies and other similar organizations-from each of our 17 western states. In addition there were other public~ spirited citizens from every walk of life represented. We believe we are justified in referring to these reso~ lutions as "The Voice of the West."
Able speakers on our program pointed to our rapidly increasing population and the urgent need for increased food production within a very few years. It requires a great deal of time to complete all of the various phases of development on the large Reclama~ tion projects of today. In order to be prepared to meet this need, Reclamation must be carried forward in an orderly manner.
We earnestly solicit your support in furthering the objectives outlined herein, not only in the interests of the west, but also in the interests of the entire Nation.
Respectfully submitted,
C. PETRUS PE.TERSON, President.
Resolution No. 1
WHEREAS, continuous conservation, development, and utilization of the water resources of the states of this nation are necessary to the growth of the nation and must keep pace with the increase in population and with the needs of the nation; and
WHEREAS, planning and construction of projects for such conservation, development, and utilization must be carried forward in keeping with the increasing needs of the nation as such needs from time to time appear and are found to exist; and
WHEREAS, to defer planning of projects that are needed or halting construction of authorized projects where planning and construction can be done in keep-ing with a sound national budget policy would be
Resolution No. 2
SUBJECTION OF ALL FEDERAL AGENCIES
TO STATE WATER LAWS
AUTHORIZATION AND APPROPRIATIONS FOR
CONTINUED RECLAMATION PROGRAM
WHEREAS, the authority to regulate and control the appropriation, distribution and use of the waters of streams arising in states lying wholly or partly west of the 98th Meridian is properly the exclusive sovereign function of the states; andWHEREAS, existing laws have not resulted in clear and uniform practice in accordance with said principles by all Federal agencies and officers having to do with use or development of water resources;
Now,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Reclamation Association, reaffirming and amplifying its policy developed during past years by appropriate resolutions, that the Association urges the enactment of a Federal law clearly and unequivocally recognizing the title of the states to waters therein, and requiring all Federal agencies and officers to proceed in conformity with state water laws in all matters having to do with appropriation, adjudication, use, ownership, and distribution of water and water rights in such states;BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Association strongly urges the cooperation of the Executive branch of the Government in the attainment of the above objectives.
* *
PAGESubjection of All Federal Agencies
to State Water Laws _.._ __.. 5 Authorization and Appropriations for a Continued Reclamation Program
5
Coordination of Duties of Corps ofEngineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Department of Agriculture _... 6 Use of Interest in Reclamation Projects _.
7
Amend Federal Power Act withRespect to State Dams _ _ _...
7
Supplemental Water Projects _ _ __7
Reporting Federal Projects to States _.._ _ 8 Subjecting Water to BeneficialConsumptive Uses _ _ _ _ _._._ 8 Federal Water Development Agencies 9 Agricultural F easibility _... 9 Limiting Secretarial Authorization 10 F arm Financing Study .._ _.._ 10 Electric Pumping Power Rate Study _.1 0 Administrative Interpretations of
Reclamation Law 11
Loans for Irrigation Distribution Systems 11 Land Limitation-Litigation _ _ _ _ 12 Publication of Repayment Contracts _ 12 Cost Study _.._ __..__.._.._ _ _ _ _ 13 International Joint Commission 13 Expanded Program of Soil and
Water Research __.._ _ 13 Adequate Appropriations for
Water Development 14
Non-Reimbursables for Non-Federal
Projects _ _ _ _ __.._ _ _ _ _ 1
5
Payment Periods Under 9 (e) Contracts _ 16 Amendment of Fair Labor Standards Act _16 Excess Lands Held Under Foreclosure .. _ 16 Excluding Supplemental Water Projects F rom Excess Land Provisions ._ _ _ _ _17Codification of Reclamation Laws 18 Joint Liability .._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 19 Loans for Projects Initiated
Under State Law _ 19
Power Policy of Department of Interior 20 Modifying Bureau of the Budget
Circular A-4
7 ._ __
_
2 1 Agreement on Farm Unit AcreageIn New Land Projects 22 Transfer of Title _ __ _ 22 Appreciation _._._ _ _ __ _ _ 23
3.
2.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.ll.
12. 13. 14.TABLE OF CONTENTS
RESOLUTIONNo.
1.
21.
15.
16.17.
18. 19. 20.27.
28. 29. 30.31.
32.
33.
22.
23. 24.25.
26.detrimental to a sound reclamation program from a national as well as local standpoint;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the National Reclamation Association that it favors:
1. Necessary appropriations for projects or pro-ject units which have been authorized and have met with the approval of the states and localities affected and which come within the category aforesaid.
2. The planning and authorization of new pro-jects which meet the tests aforesaid and that are approved by Congress and have the approval of the states and localities affected.
Resolution No. 3
COORDINATION OF DUTIES OF CORPS OF
ENGINEERS, THE BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
AND THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
WHEREAS, it appears that there are areas of con-flict in interpretation of existing law respecting the duties and responsibilities of the Bureau of Reclama-tion, the Corps of Engineers, and the Department of Agriculture for planning, surveys, investigation, con-struction and operation of flood control and reclama-tion projects; andWHEREAS, in areas where said departments of Government have cooperated in the use of their techniques and personnel it has resulted in quicker action, better coordination, a more economic admini-stration, and a more efficient development and use of soil and water resources; and
WHEREAS, it is believed that present laws could be rewritten better defining such duties and responsi-bilities and providing for the coordination of the activities and the techniques and the personnel of said departments when working upon the same project;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Na-tional Reclamation Association that the Association's Legislative Committee be directed to forthwith study and prepare recommendations for presentation to Congress to better define the duties and responsibili-ties for planning, surveys, investigation, construction and operation of flood control and reclamation projects by the Bureau of Reclamation, the Corps of Engineers and the Department of Agriculture, and to provide for the coordination of the activities and the techniques and personnel of said departments when working on the same project.
6
Resolution No. 4
USE OF INTEREST IN RECLAMATION PROJECTS
WHEREAS, several suggestions have been advanced to Congress concerning formulas to interrelate power and irrigation costs in multiple purpose projects; andWHEREAS, it is the interest of the National Recla-mation Association to outline a constructive policy in regard to the suggested formulas;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the National Reclamation As-sociation acting by and through an appropriate com-mittee, give prompt study to the question of the inter-est component, the Collbran formula, and the modified Collbran formula, as well as the possibility of com-bining the ideas set fOlth in the "Rockwell Bill" with those contained in the Collbran formula having as an objective the outlining of a constructive policy, to the end that appropriate legislation may be enacted by Congress.
Resolution No. 5
AMEND FEDERAL POWER ACT WITH RESPECT
TO STATE DAMS
WHEREAS, under present Federal law, states and state agencies are required to secure licenses before building certain dams across navigable streams; and WHEREAS, the term "navigable" has received a very broad interpretation for this purpose;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Reclamation Association urges the amend-ment of the Federal laws so that neither a state nor a state agency shall be required to secure a permit or license from the Federal Power Commission for con-structing a dam across a navigable stream unless the presence or operation thereof shall materially and adversely affect the navigability of such stream as found by the Department of Defense upon applica-tion for a determinaapplica-tion of that fact made by the state agency proposing to construct such dam.
Resolution No. 6
SUPPLEMENTAL WATER PROJECTS
WHEREAS, in many localities throughout the West, established farming areas are facing curtailment of their future operations by reason of deficient or failing water supplies; andWHEREAS, in such communities hundreds of mil~ lions of dollars of investment are in jeopardy;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Reclamation Association, reaffirming its past expressed policy, that adequate consideration be given in the preparation of investigations and reports by all Federal, state, and local agencies to projects for furnishing supplemental water to areas now inade~ quately supplied.
Resolution No. 7
REPORTING FEDERAL PROJECTS TO STATES
WHEREAS, by Sections 1 (a) and 1 (c) of the 1944 Flood Control Act certain procedure is pre~ scribed for the submission by the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Interior of their project reports to each other and to the Governors of the affected states for comment; andWHEREAS, the underlying purposes of such sub~ mission of reports are not confined to reports of the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Interior;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association, in furtherance of its past expressed policy, does hereby urge t~at the provisions of Sections 1 (a) and 1 (c) of the Said Act be so broadened as to make like reporting procedure required of the Secretary of Agriculture, th~ F ede.ral Power Commission, and other Federal agencIes haVlng to do with water and power development projects.
Resolution No. 8
SUBJECTING WATER TO BENEFICIAL
CONSUMPTIVE USES
WHEREAS, the subordination of the use of water for navigation in the West, to beneficial consumptive uses such as domestic and irrigation, as provided in Section 1 (b) of the 1944 Flood Control Act is sound in principle and should be extended to other public works, including hydro~electric power development, undertaken by the United States; and
WHEREAS, uses of water for navigation or other non~consumptive purposes should be subordinated to
8
such beneficial consumptive purposes as domestic and irrigation uses, a principle recognized in Section 1 (b) of the 1944 Flood Control Act;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association, in furtherance and amplification of its past policies urges the adoption of Federal legislation to effectively broaden the prin~ ciples of said Section
1
(b) so that all works, and any water rights connected therewith, constructed or used by the United States for generation of power or for navigation shall be, and remain subject and sub~ ordinate to present and future uses of the water in~ volved for beneficial consumptive uses.Resolution No. 9
FEDERAL WATER DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES
WHEREAS in the report of the Hoover Commissionrecommendati~ns
are made for the incorporation of the civil functions of the Corps of Engineers into the De~ partment of the Interior;Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Reclamation Association that the Associa~ tion in furtherance of its past expressed policy, believes it to be in the national interest that the water develop~ ment functions of the Federal Government remain in the hands of the existing agencies which now have such functions, and oppose the incorporation of the civil functions of the Corps of Engineers into the Depart~ ment of the Interior.
Resolution No. 10
AGRICULTURAL FEASIBILITY
WHEREAS, the success of a reclamation project is dependent upon its agricultural feasibility as well as its engineering feasibility since the. farmers ~ho settle upon the project must earn a sufficIen~ financIal return to provide a livelihood as well as paymg the con:truc~ tion, operation and maintenance costs that are assIgned for payment by the water users;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association recommends that the interested Federal Agencies cooperate in studies of agricultural productivity, these studies to be made in advance of feasibility determination, so that agricul~
tural productivity and economic return be given equal status with engineering feasibility in recommending the authorization of irrigation projects.
Resolution No. 11
LIMITING SECRETARIAL AUTHORIZATION
WHEREAS, the Congress of the United States has the basic responsibility for authorizing the construc-tion of Federal irrigaconstruc-tion projects; and
WHEREAS, a trend to Secretarial authorization of reclamation projects without specific authority of Congress tends to prevent official consideration of such projects by the duly constituted officials of the states involved as well as by the people's elected legislative representatives in Congress;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association urges enactment of legislation necessary to prevent administrative or Secre-tarial authorization of reclamation projects without express Congressional approval.
Resolution No. 12
FARM FINANCING STUDY
WHEREAS, the source of farm loans on Federal Projects for operating and capital financing is in the main limited to the Farmers Home Administration; and
WHEREAS, the Farmers Home Administration has inadequate funds for direct loans or adequate sources through which to negotiate capital loans; and
!\VHEREAS, it is necessary for the proper and solvent development of irrigation farming to have more complete and certain financing from private as well as public sources;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President of the National Reclamation Association with the approval of the Board of Directors shall appoint a committee deriving its membership from the private, state and Federal financing agencies, and irrigation farmers, to the end that there be an immedi-ate study, recommendation, coordination and develop-ment of financing facilities to meet the needs herein indicated.
Resolution No. 13
ELECTRIC PUMPING POWER RATE STUDY
WHEREAS, pump irrigation by water users' associa-tions, irrigation districts, and private individuals is of increasing importance to the seventeen western reclama-tion states; and
10
WHEREAS, it is essential that the power rate for pumping be reasonable and equitable for all types of such water users, whether furnished by private or public power;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President of the National Reclamation Association with the approval of the Board of Directors shall appoint a committee to study the establishment of more uniform rates for such projects within the same operating areas.
Resolution
No.14
ADMINISTRATIVE INTERPRETATIONS OF
RECLAMATION LAW
WHEREAS, execution of the reclamation program has required administrative interpretations of Congres-'sional enactments to be made from time to time; and
WHEREAS, during recent years many such admin-istrative decisions have been made which were not in accord with the best interests of the water users and which did not solve the particular local problems sought to be reached thereby; and
WHEREAS, administrative officials of the Depart-ment of the Interior have indicated their willingness to re-examine these administrative decisions in the light of a growing experience;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association calls attention of its constituent state and local organizations and other water users to the opportunity which now exists for the presentation to the proper officials of the Department of the Interior of their problems for proper solution.
Resolution No. 15
LOANS FOR IRRIGATION DISTRIBUTION
SYSTEMS
WHEREAS, the contract costs of local irrigation distribution systems, as designed by the Bureau of Reclamation for construction on Federal Reclamation projects are often beyond the ability of a contract-ing agency to repay; and
WHEREAS, less costly systems planned and con-structed by such a contracting agency would often better serve local requirements, if the agency were financially able to construct such systems;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Reclamation Association that Congress be urged to enact legislation authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to grant loans to contracting agencies so as to provide for the construction by such agencies of local irrigation distribution systems on the same repay-ment basis as if constructed by the Bureau of Recla-mation.
Resolution No. 16
Resolution No. 18
COST STUDY
BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association requests the Bureau of Reclamation to make studies of its engineering, construction, and operation and maintenance costs with a view to determining what action may be desirable for the purpose of effecting greater efficiency and economy in performance of its functions.
Resolution No. 19
LAND LIMITATION
LITIGATION
INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION
WHEREAS, several decisions of trial courts havedeclared that the acreage limitations contained in current 9 (e) contracts are invalid as in violation of state water laws; and
WHEREAS, many irrigation districts and similar organizations are confronted with prospective enforce-ment against them of such possibly invalid provisions; and
WHEREAS, the Reclamation Act provides that
in
carrying out reclamation activities the Secretary of Interior shall conform to State Water Laws; andWHEREAS, the said decisions of the courts are not final;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the public good will be served by all affected interests conforming to State Water Laws until final decisions in such cases have been reached.
Resolution No. 17
PUBLICATION OF REPAYMENT CONTRACTS
BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association requests the Senate and House Com-mittees on Interior and Insular Affairs to make a compilation of all reclamation repayment contracts entered into since 1939 and to publish such com-pilation as a public document in order that any district entering into a repayment contract with the Bureau of Reclamation may have the benefit of a study of such contracts as have been consummated with other dis-tricts.WHEREAS, the National Reclamation Associa-tion in furtherance of its past expressed policy affirms its belief in the aims and accomplishments of the International Joint Commission-United States and Canada; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for immediate action; Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Reclamation Association that it urges the International Joint Commission to speed its delibera-tions to bring about an early and equitable apportion-ment of the flows of international streams between the two countries.
* *
Resolution No. 20
EXPANDED PROGRAM OF SOIL AND WATER
RESEARCH
WHEREAS, with the growth of national population and the resulting necessity for intensification of agri-culture, problems of land and water management, including upstream watershed lands, are rapidly in-creasing in importance; and
WHEREAS, the fertility and productivity levels are decreasing in some of the irrigated and dry-land areas of the West; and
WHEREAS, these management problems apply to both cultivated and non-cultivated land, including the important water-yielding areas in the headwaters of western watersheds; and
WHEREAS, the Agricultural Research Committee of the National Reclamation Association has pre~ pared a report on soil, water, forest, and range prob~ lems and research needs of the West which was published as Senate Document No. 98, 82nd Congress, 2nd Session;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association hereby reaffirms its interest in an expanded program of soil and water research on agricultural, forest and range lands in the 17 western states, and its endorsement of the recom~ mendations in said Senate Document;
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that officers and directors of the National Reclamation Association are authorized and directed to promote this expanded program of soil and water, including watershed re~ search on both cultivated and non~cultivatedland; to foster co-ordination of effort by those Federal and state agencies which can contribute to such research; to take steps necessary to inform Members of Congress of the ever increasing population growth pressures and the importance of water producing areas which em~ phasize the need of thispro~ram; and to urge adequate appropriations for the full development of the ex~ panded soil, water, forest, and range research pro~ gram as outlined in said Senate Document; and that the Association support legislation sponsoring this program;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Agricultural Research Committee be continued and directed to seek aid in independent analysis of the problems involved.
Resolution No. 21
ADEQUATE APPROPRIATIONS FOR WATER
DEVELOPMENT
WHEREAS, the primary objective of the National Reclamation Association is the complete development of the land and water resources of the West; and
WHEREAS, the accomplishment of this objective calls for adequate appropriations by the Congress;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association hereby directs its officers to support before the Congress requests for sufficient appropriations to:
A. Permit the Bureau of Reclamation and the Corps of Engineers to continue progressive construc~
tion programs in consonnance with the needs therefor;
14
B. Support acceleration of the Forest Service Program of revegetation, water~shedrestoration, range improvements, and physical improvements of National forests;
C. Support and continue the snow survey service of the Department of Agriculture;
D. Permit prompt and continuing acquisition by the Geological Survey of basic data respecting both stream flow and ground water resources throughout the Nation;
E. Permit completion of standard topographic mapping of the United States, if possible, by the year
1970;
F. Support and accelerate the program of the Soil Conservation Service to provide more adequate assistance to the soil conservation districts;
G. Support research, investigation, and action programs in soil and water conservation, basic and essential to the sound development and full continued care of the Nation's land and water resources basin~ wide and in harmony with multiple~use projects development;
H.
Support the land capability inventory to be completed as soon as practicable.1.
Support collection and dissemination of basic meteorological data by the United States Weather Bureau;BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the various affected states are urged to give full support to the foregoing program.
Resolution No. 22
NON-REIMBURSABLES FOR NON-FEDERAL
PROJECTS
WHEREAS, under existing law, in the construction of Federal projects, that part of the estimated cost allocated to flood control, navigation, and fish and wildlife, is deemed to benon~reimbursable;and
WHEREAS, projects initiated under state law, by state bodies, irrigation districts, or non~profit water companies, financed wholly by funds other than those appropriated by the Congress, may produce similar national flood control, navigation and fish and wildlife benefits on said projects; but under present law there is no contribution from the Federal government;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association favors Congres-sional authorization for the contribution by the United States of funds for such non-reimbursable costs on these projects.
"* "*
Resolution No. 23
PAYMENT PERIODS UNDER
9(e)CONTRACTS
BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association urges that Section 9 (e) of the Reclama-tion Project Act of 1939 be so amended as to permit the advance payment of water charges by a contract-ing organization either monthly, semi-annually or annually."* "*
Resolution No. 24
AMENDMENT OF FAIR LABOR STANDARDS
ACT
WHEREAS, many mutually owned and operated irrigation organizations in the Western States are, under existing interpretations, subject to the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (Wage-Hour Law) ; and
WHEREAS, said National Labor Relations Act and the Wage-Hour Law constitute remedial legislation for relief in the industrial rather than the agricultural economy of the nation and agricultural activities were intended to be and should be exempt therefrom; and
WHEREAS, H. R. 993 and S. 713 are currently pending in the Congress to amend subsection
I
of section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act so as to include the operations of irrigation organizations with-in the defwith-inition of "agriculture";Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association supports the general principle and intent of H. R. 993 and S. 713 and urges the early enactment of such legislation.
"* "*
Resolution No. 25
EXCESS LANDS HELD UNDER FORECLOSURE
WHEREAS, it is essential that mortgage money be available to land owners in reclamation projects; and16
WHEREAS, some lending institutions are hesitant to make mortgage loans on land in such projects because they fear losses through enforcement of the excess land provisions of the reclamation law;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Reclamation Association, that the reclama-tion law be so modified as to permit mortgagees to hold lands acquired through foreclosure, without being deemed excess lands, until such time as such lands can be disposed of for their fair and reasonable value.
"* "*
Resolution No. 26
EXCLUDING SUPPLEMENTAL WATER
PROJECTS FROM EXCESS LAND PROVISIONS
WHEREAS, the reclamation laws of the United States were originally designed for the reclamation of the public lands of the federal government; and
WHEREAS, the acreage limitation provisions of the reclamation laws were enacted to meet conditions where lands in government ownership in a project pre-dominated and lands in private ownership were largely, if not entirely, undeveloped; and
WHEREAS, private enterprise has reclaimed and developed vast areas of agricultural lands since the turn of the century and in such development the vary-ing climatic conditions, markets for crops grown in given areas and changing economic conditions and improved farming methods have determined the size of the farm lands needed for practical farming pur-poses, and the size of the economic farm unit varies greatly in the western states not only as between states but even as between areas in the same state; and
WHEREAS, the principle of a fixed arbitrary maximum size farm for all federal reclamation pro-jects has been demonstrated to be lacking in work-ability, unsound in principle, impossible of practical application and impossible of enforcement, and has been held to be illegal and unconstitutional as applied to private lands in several reclamation states; and
WHEREAS, in most reclamation areas the lands have now been in private ownership for many years and the farm units have been developed on the basis of local conditions and only a supplemental water supply is furnished in most federal reclamation pro·· jects and the application of the fixed arbitrary acreage limits will lead to disruption of established economic and agricultural development and no feasible acreage
yardstick has been developed or found feasible during the last half century; and
WHEREAS, the acreage limitations have been re-pealed by Congress as to several federal reclamation projects in recognition of the impossibility of applying or enforcing the same; and
WHEREAS, the principle of breaking up established farm practice units and economies is unsound and of questionable legality;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association supports the follow-mg:
That the excess land provisions of the federal reclamation laws and acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto relating to lands in private own-ership should not be applicable to any project, pro-jects contract unit, organization, division of a project development unit or irrigation program or any part thereof where such project is situated in an area of an existing agricultural economy; and that as to any exist-ing contract to which the United States is a party, the Secretary of Interior should be authorized and directed at the request of the other party or parties to such contract to amend or to rescind any contract as may be necessary to conform to this principle.
Resolution No.
27
CODIFICATION OF RECLAMATION LAWS
WHEREAS, the National Reclamation Association by its former resolutions initiated a movement for the codification of the reclamation laws; andWHEREAS, the House Judiciary Committee's Sub-committee on Revision of the Laws has undertaken to provide for the codification of said laws and the work of preparing a draft code which draft is not yet completed; and
WHEREAS, it is understood that the Judiciary Committee, when the draft code is completed, expects to make an adequate number of copies of the draft and related material available for distribution among those affected and interested throughout the West;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the National Reclamation Association that, in furtherance of its past expressed policy the President of the As-sociation, with the approval of the Board of Directors, is requested to continue a committee of competent
persons to examine, study and analyze the draft code and submit its views to the Board for such distribu-tion, recommendation and action as may be directed by said Board.
Resolution No. 28
JOINT LIABILITY
WHEREAS, the National Reclamation Association by its past expressed policy has consistently stated its opposition to the present general policy of the Depart-ment of the Interior to require, pursuant to existing law, that there be incorporated in contracts for a water supply, a clause making owners of land under any irrigation project jointly liable for the repayment of construction costs and the costs of furnishing water; and
l
WHEREAS, the National Reclamation Association hereby reaffirms its opposition to the inclusion of the jo~nt liability clause;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that said Association urges the enactment of legislation amend-ing existamend-ing Federal law to the end that the Secretary of the Interior, notwithstanding the provisions of exist-ing reclamation law, may agree that, to the extent that it is consistent with the laws of the State under which the contracting organization exists to do so, persons who are members of the contracting organization or lands within the boundaries of the same shall be relieved of any further liability with respect to pay-ment of the organization's general obligation upon full payment to it of their assigned share of said obligation, and upon the payment of said share by the organiza-tion to the United States.
Resolution No. 29
LOANS FOR PROJECTS INITIATED UNDER
STATE LAW
WHEREAS, the contract cost of constructing stor-age facilities, canals, irrigation distribution systems, hydro-electric power facilities where economically advantageous, and other construction in connection with reclamation development, as designed by the Bureau of Reclamation for construction on
tion projects, is often beyond the ability of a contract~ ing agency to repay; and
WHEREAS, less costly development planned and constructed by such a contracting agency would often serve agency requirements, if the agency were financi~ ally able to construct such development;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Reclamation Association that Congress be urged to enact legislation authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to grant loans to such agencies for the construction by such agencies of storage facilities, canals, irrigation distribution systems, hydro-electric power facilities where economically advantageous, and other construction in connection with reclamation development, on the same basis as if constructed by the Bureau of Reclamation.
* *
Resolution No. 30
POWER POLICY OF DEPARTMENT
OF INTERIOR
WHEREAS, the generation of hydro~electricpower is one of the important uses of water on many reclama~ tion projects and in supplying power needs in western reclamation states; and
WHEREAS, the policies adopted by Congress dur~ ing the fifty~one years the reclamation laws have been in effect provide for the generation of electric energy on federal reclamation projects where such generation is feasible; and
WHEREAS, the Secretary of Interior, on August 18, 1953, announced a federal power policy which the Department of Interior would follow in administer~ ing power facilities under its control; and
WHEREAS, this policy appears to give public and private purchasers and users of power from federal projects more control over their own resale rate struc~ tures and their own operating problems; and
WHEREAS, this policy appears to give power de~ velopment by private enterprise and public bodies a better opportunity to develop and meet the expanded needs for electric energy in the area they service; and
WHEREAS, this policy seems designed to increase local responsibility, cooperation, and incentive for all groups interested in supplying the electric power re~ quirements for the citizens of the western reclamation states;
20
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association commends the Department of Interior and its Secretary for the forth~ right announcement of a power policy; and urges that such desirable objectives be carried out in such a manner as to furnish continued and increased support to irrigation and other consumptive use features of Reclamation projects.
* *
Resolution No. 31
MODIFYING BUREAU OF THE BUDGET
CIRCULAR NO. A-47
WHEREAS, the determination as to what Federal Reclamation Projects shall be authorized is the func~ tion of the Congress of the United States and not that of any subordinate executive officer or agency; and
WHEREAS, Budget CircularA~47, has been issued setting forth certain standards which were to govern the Bureau of the Budget in determining whether federal reclamation projects would meet the approval of the President; and
WHEREAS, it appears that the Bureau of the Budget has been and still is construing said circular or administering the same so as to justify it in refusing to report or in unduly delaying the reporting of federal reclamation projects approved by the Secretary of the Interior; and
WHEREAS, such action has caused and is causing the Department of the Interior to be fearful of recom-mending such projects which it has decided are feas-ible unless it can obtain informal advance approval of the Bureau of the Budget;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association urges the Presi~ dent, in harmony with his expressed policy of en~ couraging reclamation, to cause said Circular to be so modified or administered as to require the Bureau of the Budget promptly to submit to the Congress those federal reclamation projects which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior, together with the Secretary's reasons for such approval, and the com~ ments of the Bureau of the Budget with respect to such projects.
Resolution No. 32
AGREEMENT ON FARM UNIT ACREAGE
IN NEW LAND PROJECTS
WHEREAS, in areas embracing lands public or private in which there is not an existing agricultural economy and irrigation projects are authorized or planned, serious hindrance in the development of these lands will exist unless a workable acreage program can be found;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association go on record as follows:
That the land limitation provisions as to such pro~ jects be modernized and to that end legislation be sponsored by this Association, which would provide flexibility found to be needed for feasible farm opera~ tion units and that the acreage for a farm unit shall be as agreed upon as to each such project, by the Secretary of the Interior, the State, or its authorized state agency, and the local contracting agency involved in the project.
Resolution No. 33
TRANSFER OF TITLE
WHEREAS, under existing reclamation law general provision is made for the transfer of operation and maintenance of project works and facilities to the contracting agency, but there is no provision of law for the transfer of title to such project works and facilities upon the completion of repayment of con~ tractual obligations; and
WHEREAS, under existing reclamation law there is no provision for the transfer of title to personal prop~ erty to the contracting agency at the time of the trans~ fer of operation and maintenance of the project to the contracting agency or upon the payment of the con-tractual obligation;
Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the National Reclamation Association that it urges the early enactment of legislation:
1.
to require transfer of title and control of project works and facilities and all project personal property to the contracting agency upon repayment in full by such agency of its contractual obligations;2. to require transfer of title to the contracting agency of project personal property at the timeopera~ tion and maintenance of project works and facilities is assumed by the contracting agency if such assump~
tion is prior to the time of repayment completion.
Resolution No. 34
APPRECIATION
WHEREAS, numerous individuals and organiza~ tions have contributed to the interest and success of the 22nd Annual Meeting of the National Reclamation Association held at Reno, Nevada, October 14-1 6,
1953,
and to the comfort and enjoyment of the delegates in attendance;Now, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Reclamation Association does hereby extend its sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the mem-bers of the Convention Committees, and to the press and radio for their coverage, to the hotels and motels of Reno and the surrounding area, to those who have participated in the program of the meetings, and to those who have provided entertainment, to the City of Reno, to the Reno Chamber of Commerce and its Convention Bureau and particularly to the office of the Nevada State Engineer and other State and Federal offices for making secretarial assistance available, and to all others who have contributed to the success of this Annual Meeting.
National Reclamation Association
1119 National Press BuildingWashington 4, D. C.
Officers
C. PETRUS PETERSON,President
Lincoln, Nebraska
CHARLES L. KAUPKE,
First Vice-President
Fresno, CaliforniaEARL T. BOWER,
Second Vice-President
Worland, Wyoming H. L. BUCK,Treasurer
Billings, Montana W M. E. W ELSH,Secretary-Manager
Washington, D.C.
Resolutions Committee
H. G. GREENAMYRE,
Chairman,
Lincoln, Nebraska LEW GARBUTT,Secretary,
Yakima, Washington Arizona-J. D. MANSFIELD, YumaCalifornia-HARRY W. HORTON, EI Centro Colorado--GLENN G. SAUNDERS, Denver Idaho--WILLIAM S. HOLDEN, Idaho Falls Kansas-J. E. KISSELL, Portis
Montana-JOHN BUTTLEMAN, Willow Creek Nebraska-H. G. GREENAMYRE., Lincoln Nevada-A. ]. SHAVER, Henderson New Mexico--D. A. MACPHERSON, JR.,
Albuquerque North Dakota-R. J. SAILER, Bismarck
Oklahoma~CLARENCE BASE, Geary Oregon-JASON LEE, Salem
South Dakota-RAYMOND LUND, Rapid City Texas-MARVIN C. NICHOLS, Fort Worth Utah-J. A. HOWELL, Ogden
Washington-LoRIN W. MARKHAM, Spokane Wyoming-L. F. THORNTON, Thermopolis
National Reclamation Association
1119 National Press BuildingWashington 4, D. C.
Officers
C. PETRUS PETERSON,President
Lincoln, Nebraska
CHARLES L. KAUPKE,
First Vice-President
Fresno, CaliforniaEARL T. BOWER,
Second Vice-President
Worland, Wyoming H. L. BUCK,Treasurer
Billings, Montana W M. E. W ELSH,Secretary-Manager
Washington, D.C.
Resolutions Committee
H. G. GREENAMYRE,
Chairman,
Lincoln, Nebraska LEW GARBUTT,Secretary,
Yakima, Washington Arizona-J. D. MANSFIELD, YumaCalifornia-HARRY W. HORTON, EI Centro Colorado--GLENN G. SAUNDERS, Denver Idaho--WILLIAM S. HOLDEN, Idaho Falls Kansas-J. E. KISSELL, Portis
Montana-JOHN BUTTLEMAN, Willow Creek Nebraska-H. G. GREENAMYRE., Lincoln Nevada-A. ]. SHAVER, Henderson New Mexico--D. A. MACPHERSON, JR.,
Albuquerque North Dakota-R. J. SAILER, Bismarck
Oklahoma~CLARENCE BASE, Geary Oregon-JASON LEE, Salem
South Dakota-RAYMOND LUND, Rapid City Texas-MARVIN C. NICHOLS, Fort Worth Utah-J. A. HOWELL, Ogden
Washington-LoRIN W. MARKHAM, Spokane Wyoming-L. F. THORNTON, Thermopolis
PRESIDENTfS MESSAGE
-by
C. PETRUS PZTERSON
I should very much like to begin our session as the American Indian of
the plains was accustomed to begin a tribal council.
His first act was to
light his pipe.
He drew three whiffs
in
succession.
The first he blew to the
zenith above him, the sero nd toward the ground at his feet and the third toward
the
sun~Elf
the first he returned thanks to the Great Spirit for the
preserva-tion of his life during the past year and for being permitted to attend another
Council.
By the second, he returned thanks to the Mother Earth for the harvests
which had given him
sustenance~By
the third, he returned thanks to the sun
for a never failing light shining on all people.
Thus he presented his thanks
to
the l'1aster of Life and sought
confirma-tion of the good resoluconfirma-tions of the tribe.
Lik~
the Indian we are thankful for life, for the pleasure of meeting
to take counsel with one another and we are thankful for the light that shines
in the heavens above and in the souls of men.
For one like myself who has lived beyond his allotted three score
years and ten, the years pass in such rapid succession that it seems but
yesterday that we held our last delightful annual convention.
It is
grati-fying to find the continued interest evidenced by your presence.
I speak
for your Board of Directors when I express our pleasure in this large
attendance.
The past year has witnessed a great many changes in the areas in which
our Association is most vitally concerned.
When we met last year at our
annual meeting in Long Beach, we had just emerged from a National election
campaign.
In that campaign, as so often happens, platforms and campaign
speeches dealt with generalizations which, when applied to the detailed
problems, left much of ambiguity.
In view of the importance of the attitudes
and capacities of the individual persons who were to take over the executive
and administrative functions of the national government, we were concerned
about the staffs to be selected.
We were looking forward to modified
policies with reference to reclamation in the west, even though we did not
at that time know the personnel into whose care reclamation activities
would
be
placed.
When it was announced that the vital post of Secretary
of Interior would be filled by the distinguished Governor of Oregon, Douglas
McKay, we knew that many of the problems, which our Association had struggled
with during the previous decade or two, would receive intelligent attention.
During -those past years we had complained of a rapidly developing
nationalization of our natural resources and of the increasing controls
sought to be imposed on the activities of the American people.
Our members
in the seventeen western states, through their respective state associations,
and in our National Association, had worked strenuously to resist those
developments.
We had often found it difficult to catalogue and identify
the many short
stepsthat had been taken, each of which was not too
Duplicate pages
not scanned
See originals in folder
Water Resources Archive
-2-in a
corr~ondirection and that direction was toward centralization of both
political and economic pow'er in the federal government.
We were particularly
concerned and disturbed by the repeated assertion of executive authority,
resting on strained administrative interpretations of acts of Congress or
resting on the presumed existence of implied powers exercised under alleged
rule-making authority.
In order to seek the cooperation of the new administration in solving
the special problems of concern to the west, we called our first meeting of
the Board of Directors, following the Long Beach meeting, in the Nation's
Capitol.
Our directors met
with Secretary McKay, Assistant Secretar,y Aandahl
and
Mr~Davis, the Solicitor of the Department of Interior.
We also met with
the respective congressional committees of the Congress, and with the Chief
of Army Engineers.
We discussed with all of them the policies and program
of our Association and received from all of them a most cordial reception
and manifestation of keen interest.
UnfortunatelY, the selection of a Commissioner of Reclamation became
involved in lengthy delays which in turn made progress in our program
in-creasingly difficult.
When a selection was finally made, we were all pleased
with the selection of our present Commissioner,
Mr.
Dexheimer.
It is only
fair to recognize the difficulties confronting him when he assumed office
only a few short weeks before Congress adjourned.
While disappointment is
frequently expressed by our members because of the delay in getting the
pro-gram and policies of the new a&ninistration underway, we look forward with
confidence to substantial achievements in the year ahead.
At the next meeting of our Board of Directors in Denver last month,
we had the valued privilege of conferring with
Co~nissionerDexheimer, with
the Under Secretary, Mr. Tudor, Assistant Secretary Aandahl and Congressman
Miller, Chairman of the House Committee together with some of the members of
his committee.
In all of these sessions,we have stressed our national water
policy and the vital necessity of maintaining sustained progress in the field
of reclamation.
It is a pleasure to report that in these meetings we have had the
un-qualified assurances of cooperation from these various federal agencies.
They,as well as we, recognize the existence of obstacles to the progress we
seek.
In view of t he fact that we are looking forward to effective progress
in the solution of some of the problems which have had our attention in the
past, it may be well to consider some of the roadblocks which we find in
our path.
There is before us as a people, the greatest opportunity ever
presente~to a free people.
This opportunity constitutes a challenge.
Our
responsi-bility is not only to plan well for local developments, but also to aid in
the
successful functioning of our total national economy,
-3-It makes little difference how these roadblocks came to be. Political
parties may hurl epithets at one another but this has never built a
reylama-tion project nor saved an inch of soil nor sent a kilcwatt of power along a
singing line.
It may be our old standby, the argument between public and
private
ut~lities,the endless discussion of the relative merits of private
and public enterprise, the quibbling about federal and states rights or the
eternal and constant bickering between federal agencies as to who shall build
what.
The end result will be the same.
But as we look at the present situation, I believe it possible to
identify some of the more important roadblocks standing in our way.
I .would designate as one of the roadblocks thrown up in the path of
- development in the west as the present functioning of the Bureau of the
Budget.
This federal agency was set up as an
aid
to the President in the
exercise of his executive responsibility.
It has grown into an independent,
arrogant agency which undertakes to veto in advance proposed legislation.
It has undertaken to prescribe rules and regulations for other federal
agencies whose authority stems from acts of Congress, such as the
Depart-ment of Interior, and asserts that they can discharge their duties only
with the consent of the Bureau of the Budget. Congress itself is confronted
with notice of disapproval of pending legislation even before the
legisla-tion is presented and debated in the Congress.
Everyboqy recognizes the necessity confronting the President of having
effective assistance in the discharge of his duties. No one would seek to
curtail the power of the President in expressing his opinions to the nation
and to the Congress.
But the Bureau of the Budget is not that agency of
the President.
In the dying hours of the old administration,a classical
example of this supposed authority is evidenced in Budget Circular
No.
A-47.
We recognize that the present administration is not chargeable with the
liability of having sponsored this document, but it would clarify the
situa-tion a good deal if the present administrasitua-tion would recall the document
and state its own position.
In
other words,here, as in many other instances,
corrections can be made by the executive department.
Other roadblocks are not removable
by
so simple and expedient methods.
Many of them require affirmative action by the Congress with the approval
of the President.
One such item is the acreage limitation imbedded in the
reclamation acts from the beginning. Anyone who has studied the develop-'
ment of irrigation projects in areas with short growing seasons, in areas
at high altitudes where the crop consists primarily of grasses for the
feed-ing of livestock, recognizes that the original concept, applicable to areas
taken out of the public domain and converted into highly productive acres
calling for intensified farming, can have no practical application to these
other current developments.
In like manner, lihere the economy has been
established
and
land ownership is already vested in private individuals,
development is restricted under the impact of this arbitrary acreage
limitation.
In our discussions, I think it is fair to say that
eve~body
now recognizes the
desil'a~ilityof some intelligent modification of this
acreage limitation.
Our task is to formulate legislation providing
fo~
