The Birth of the Nisqually Power Project
Tacoma moves toward seizing land and water rights for the Nisqually power plant, a project that would eventually transform the city's infrastructure.
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Another step will be taken tonight by the city council toward the Nisqually power plant, by the passage of the ordinance for the condemnation of the land and water required for the project. City Attorney Stiles has been busy for the last ten days getting the description of the various properties all in shape and it was finished today, and the ordinance was prepared for the council. The council is expected to pass the ordinance at once. The petition for condemnation will then be prepared by the attorneys and, before another week rolls around, suit will actually be started in the courts for the acquisition of the property. The surveying is moving right along and, by the time the attorneys get possession of the property, it is expected, Engineer Kelsey will be in shape to give something definite for the bidders to work on in preparing their figures for the building of the plant.
“suit will actually be started in the courts for the acquisition of the property.”
The Nisqually power project was a massive undertaking that defined Tacoma's municipal identity as a provider of cheap, public power. This ordinance marks a pivotal moment in the city's effort to control its own utilities, a debate that remains a cornerstone of Tacoma civic life.
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