Voters Approve New Columbia Irrigation District
Kennewick community moves to take control of private canal systems to secure agricultural future.
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With only 49 votes cast against it, the Columbia Irrigation district was legally created at the special election held Monday in the territory now served by the Northern Pacific Irrigation Company. Although the election was one of vital importance to every resident, the vote was light, with only 276 ballots cast, 227 of which were in favor. H. S. Hughes, A. S. Goss, and L. E. Johnson were elected as directors. With the election results confirmed, the directors will now organize and begin the process of ascertaining the costs to enlarge and repair the canal system. Once these figures are established, the question of acquiring the system and issuing bonds to cover expenses will be submitted to the water users for approval at another special election.
“If anything in the way of improved service is to be had this year, the directors must put on full speed ahead.”
Public control of water rights remains a contentious issue in the Tri-Cities. This 1917 election set the precedent for the local irrigation districts that today manage the essential water infrastructure supporting the regional economy.
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