The Poplar Standard

CONSTRUCTION OF PUMPS FOR IRRIGATION NEAR WOLF POINT IS PREDICTED AT MEETINGS

COMMITTEES NAMED FOR IRRIGATION DISTRICT ORGANIZATION: WILL ASSESS IRRIGABLE ACRES TO DEFRAY COST OF ATTORNEY TO DRAW UP PETITION.

Early start on construction of Montana Pumping Units near Wolf Point and Frazer is predicted. As a result of recent meetings conducted by interested farmers of the N-Bar-N and Fort Charles sub units favorable progress is reported in the initial steps of forming an irrigation district.

On August 8 a meeting was held at the N-Bar-N Community where E. G. Ferguson, Unit Supervisor explained the mechanics of formation of irrigation districts. The meeting was then open to general discussion and a committee appointed by the acting chairman, James Twitchell to follow through on the proposed outline of procedure.

The land owners representing over 60 per cent of the land and ownerships present, planned to assess the potential irrigable areas 25 cents per acre to defray costs in preparation of a petition as required by State Laws in the formation of an irrigation district.

This committee is composed of the following land owners: James Twitchell, chairman; Leo McNabb member; King Walton, member and Charles Rathert, Secretary and Treasurer.

The N-Bar-N sub-unit consists of approximately 10,000 acres of potentially irrigable land. Mapping of the area, and land classification was done in 1942 and 1943 which is being reviewed at this time by the Bureau of Reclamation.

Monday, August 11th farmers convened at the school house in the Fort Charles Community where a similar meeting was held. The land owners are unanimously in favor of irrigation development and positive steps were taken to come into the proposed district with the N-Bar-N sub unit. A committee was named by those present consisting of Hans J. Hansen, chairman; Murel Purdy and Robert Balden, members and Jim Kelley, Secretary and Treasurer.

Similar action was adopted at this meeting, of establishing an assessment of 25 cents per acre on the potentially irrigable land to take care of attorney fees. An attorney has not yet been engaged but the land owners of both sub units are losing no time in getting the ball rolling.

From such a good start it is very likely that the completion of the district formation can be concluded by the end of this year. Every effort is being done by the Bureau forces in keeping pace with the land owners, sponsors of the project development, in order to be in readiness to start construction by July 1, 1948.

Much work is to be done in getting plans and specifications out ready for advertising contract work and the need for man power is no small item. Housing will be necessary and is considered a key toward securing man power.