Bean, Russell 1983-03-08

Russell Bean, son of Judge George R. Bean, discusses Water Incorporated, the potential for water importation, and the role of irrigation in the economic vitality of the South Plains.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Russell Bean

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: March 8, 1983

Location: Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Richard Mason

Length: 2 hours

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Irrigation, Development on South Plains, 1934-40, Effect on water table, High Plains Water District, Pump engines, Changes in character of farming, 1920s and 1930s, Dairying, Texas Tech, Commercial irrigation, 1960, Problems, State control of Ogallala formation, Water Incorporated, Purpose, Philosophy, World food supply and population growth

Tape 1, Side 2: World food supply and population growth (continued), Role of irrigation, Egypt, Peru, Jungle areas, Peru (again), United States, World trade, Irrigation (again), Energy cost, Effect on aquifer depletion, Crops benefited, Food production philosophy (again), Environmental concerns, Population control, Latin American Agriculture, California as inspiration for water importation, Central Valley project

Tape 2, Side 2: Central Valley project (again), Problems faced, Impetus for formation of Water Incorporated, Texas Preliminary Water Plan, 1966, Response from South Plains, Feasibility, Provisions for West Texas, Water importation (again), Political problems, Projections for future, Population growth (again), Singapore plan, Water Incorporated (again), Major impetus for formation (again), Texas Water Plan (again), Urban control of politics, Effect on plans for water importation, Supportive politicians in Austin, Billy Clayton, J. W. Buchannon, Preston Smith, Marvin Sherbet water depletion case, 1954, Initiation of suit, Reaction of Internal Revenue Service

Tape 2, Side 2: Marvin Sherbet water depletion case (continued), Tritium count, George McClesky, Bill Broadhurst, Irrigation (again), Outside investment, Financing of early wells , High Plains underground Water Conservation District, Urban attitudes, State control of water use, Urban attitudes (again), Political realities faces in formation of district, Primary benefits of district, Water Incorporated (again), Primary benefits, Political support, George Mahon, Kent Hance, John Montford, Governor Mark White, Irrigation (again), Effect on agricultural economy, Cotton harvest, Picking versus pulling, Machinery, Module builders, Declining water table, Adaption of farmers, Crops raised, Richard Mason, Background, Naming of Ragtown, Location of Texas Tech, Bean's theory on choice of Lubbock, Sweetwater, Texas

Range Dates: 1920-1983

Bulk Dates: 1940-1983

Access Information

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