Hermiston Herald Volume XXXI, Hermiston, Umatilla County, Oregon, January 13, 1938
DAM AT UMATILLA ASKED FIRST
McNary Pledges Dam Support
A hearing before the board of army engineers in Washington D.C. was held January 11 in which the latest argument for the development of the upper Columbia and Snake river was presented. The Inland Empire Waterways association and the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce presented briefs. All U.S. senators and members of congress from Oregon, Washington and Idaho were present, favoring the new program. It was a Pacific northwest united effort to secure endorsement of the army board and an appropriation from congress over a period of years for the construction of the Umatilla Rapids dam on the Columbia, and four dams on the Snake to Lewiston. The Umatilla was recommended for construction.
Washington, D.C.
January 10, 1938
Wallula Gateway Club
Hermiston, Ore:
Mr. E.P. Dodd:
“Wire received. Many times I have said that Umatilla dam is the next project that should be undertaken in the development of the Columbia river, and in my opinion it is now. You may count upon my warm support. Regards.”
Chas. L. McNary
This telegram was received Tuesday from the senior senator from Oregon, who was considered the man who pulled over the Bonneville dam. He now assures us that he is for the Umatilla dam next.
This message was in response to a telegram sent him Saturday night. Similar telegrams were sent to Senator Frederick Steiwer and Congressman Walter M. Pierce, and full support is expected from both in the matter that is now coming before the board of army engineers and before congress.
It was stated in the telegrams that the Bonneville dam was now completed; that the Grand Coulee was taken care of by regular appropriations through the United States Reclamation Bureau; that the Umatilla dam was the one major project to complete the development of the Columbia and Snake rivers; that all appropriations named in the budget for improvement of rivers and harbors in the Pacific northwest were for works west of the Cascade mountains; that the eastern part of the state should be recognized; and that employment was needed now as well as navigation benefits.
A hearing on the development of the rivers was set for January 11, but nothing has been heard as to whether it was conducted. The board of army engineers has a new head, and a different attitude may be presented. Congress is expected to make appropriations for such works. Congressman Pierce announced recently that he would introduce a bill for the construction of the Umatilla rapids dam.
