Water and the West

Document: Water and the West by Senator Henry M. Jackson, November 5, 1965, page 2WATER AND THE WEST by Senator Henry M. Jackson I am with you today as a friend and neighbor. I share your pride at this anniversary celebration as one who has supported your efforts in behalf of the Central Valley Project during 25 years in the Congress of the United States. The year you first received delivery of water from the Central Valley Project--1940--is the year I was first elected to the House of Representatives. Since then I have had the privilege of working with the many fine people who have represented your area and California in the Congress. We have fought many battles together on behalf of the Central Valley Project. I can recall, particularly, the struggle to secure appropriations during the period 1940 to 1952, when I was a member of the Interior Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. Close to $190 million was appropriated for the CVP during that period. I was convinced that the project would prove to be aworthwhile investment, and indeed it has. Since 1953 I have been a member of the Senate and its Interior Committee. We have authorized the Trinity River division and the San Luis Unit. This year, after some struggle, we finally authorized the Auburn-Folsom South Unit. Just two weeks ago, I brought before my Committee a bill authorizing the Whiskeytown-Shasta National Recreation Area, which will mean so much to this area. We reported this bill from committee, and the next day passed it on the floor of the Senate and sent it to the President for signature. I am glad to have had these and other opportunities to work with the California Congressional delegation on legislation of importance to California. Let me hasten to add that I have been pleased--at least equally--to have them work with me on matters of importance to the State of Washington. In 1940 the economy of this area was based largely on irrigated agriculture; now deliveries of water from the Contra Costa County Water District facilities are primarily for industrial and municipal purposes. This transformation is a dramatic example of the change taking place in American life.Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 2,646,526 byte