http://www.heraldandnews.com/articles/2004/07/19/viewpoints/op_ed/9920.txt

There's good reason for governor to be here

Published July 18, 2004

By Dan Keppen

Guest columnist

Next Tuesday marks an important date for the Klamath Water Users Association - its 50th annual meeting, which will feature a visit by Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski. The governor will be in the Basin as part of a two-day visit, where he also will be meeting with the Klamath Tribes and the Hatfield Group as part of his ongoing efforts to further dialogue and bring long-term resolution to Klamath Basin water issues.

In recent weeks, I have been asked by more than a few people: Why Kulongoski? Before I delve into answering this question, I would like to provide some background on the long history of the organization I am fortunate to work for.

Nearly 100 years ago, as the Klamath Project was transitioning from conceptual "lines on a map" to the reality of men putting shovels into the ground, the Klamath Water Users Association was organized in its first official capacity.

A contract between association and the U.S. secretary of the interior, by which the association assumed the responsibility for the payment to the United States of the cost of the Klamath Project irrigation works, was ratified by the stockholders of the association, Nov. 3, 1905, and later signed by the secretary of the interior.

As noted in J.C. Boyle's "50 Years on the Klamath," the association helped in signing up land, engaged in other land and water right matters, and worked in friendly relations with the Reclamation Services (precursor to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation). The water users association served a useful purpose during development of the early irrigation system. It was headed by farmers, livestock men, businessmen, bankers, attorneys and other prominent citizens who were interested in seeing that the Klamath Reclamation Project was constructed at the least cost and for the lasting benefit of the entire community.

As the Klamath Project developed, and local irrigation districts were created and assumed a primary role in Project operations, the legal structure and activities of the association evolved. The association is a non-profit Oregon corporation. Bylaws of the organization were legally adopted in 1953, and amended to reflect our current role in 1993. The association strives to preserve, protect and defend the water and power rights of Klamath Project irrigators while promoting wise management of ecosystem resources.

So, back to our original question: Why Kulongoski?

To solve the problems of the Klamath River watershed, we need a coordinated management program that spans two states in a watershed that is characterized by a strong federal presence. Kulongoski - like the Bush administration, and like key policy leaders in the administration of California Gov. Arnold Schwar-zenegger - has clearly demonstrated a willingness to work towards a balanced program that reflects this philosophy. We appreciate the efforts of Kulongoski and his resources advisers, whose efforts to reach out to California and federal government agencies in the past year provide hope that a workable solution to our challenges will be met.

It is an honor to us and a testimony to his commitment to our Basin that Kulongoski is coming to our meeting. We want to publicly thank him for his efforts to promote the economic, social and environmental viability of the agricultural community served by the Klamath Irrigation Project.

Our 50th anniversary is a special occasion, and we're lucky to have such a special guest attend.

The meeting will be held at the Reames Golf and Country Club in Klamath Falls on Tuesday. The luncheon buffet will be opened at 11:15 a.m., and the meeting is scheduled to begin at noon. The governor will stay for the first hour of a 90-minute program.

The public is welcome to attend this event. We ask that you call our office at 883-6100 as soon as possible to reserve your seat. We look forward to seeing you there.

The Klamath Water Users Association is a non-profit corporation based in Klamath Falls, Oregon that represents the rural irrigation districts, local special districts, and private concerns who operate on both sides of the California-Oregon border.

Dan Keppen is executive director of the Klamath Water Users Association.