16 May 1911

Gigantic Irrigation Scheme Provides for Reclamation of Powder River Lands

Sumpter Oregon USA - One of the most gigantic irrigation schemes ever promulgated in this section of Oregon has developed here during the last few days. The scheme proposes a solution of the problem for irrigating the lower Powder River Valley by submerging a large portion of the smaller Sumpter Valley. The carrying out of this project would involve the buying of nearly all the farm lands in the Sumpter Valley to secure the right to use it as an immense basin for holding water, then building a dam in the pass through which the Sumpter Valley railway is now operated.
 
By this the railway company would be forced to travel another route on much higher grade, thus causing the building of another roadbed and the abandonment of the present route between here and Baker.
 
It is claimed the scheme was provided for several years ago when a spot in the pass was selected for a dam site. Already the great Powder River Valley is clamoring for water to open for agricultural purposes vast stretches of idle land.