Descriptive Summary
Information for Researchers
Biographical Note
Series Arrangement
Subject Headings
Descriptive Summary
Title: Mojave Water Agency Collection,
Water
Resources
Collection
creator:
Mojave Water Agency
Dates: 1960-1970
Abstract: The Mojave Water Agency collection contains memorandum and meeting minutes of the board of directors about water-supply and
water-rights in the Mojave, California region during the 1960s.
Extent: 1 box
Repository:
Claremont Colleges. Honnold/Mudd Library.
800 N. Dartmouth Avenue
Special Collections, Honnold/Mudd Library
Claremont University Consortium
Claremont, California 91711
Collection Number: h2009.11
Languages: Languages represented in the collection: English
Physical Location: Special Collections, Honnold/Mudd Library. Claremont University Consortium.
Information for Researchers
Restrictions on Access
This collection is open for research.
Publication Rights
For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact Special Collections Library staff.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Mojave Water Agency,
Water
Resources
Collection. Special Collections, Honnold Mudd Library, Claremont University Consortium.
Acquisition Information
Louis J. Alexander, date unknown.
Processing Information
Arranged and Processed by Rusty Michalak, 2009.
Accruals
No additions to the collection is anticipated.
Biographical Note
The creation of the Mojave Water Agency was made possible through an enabling act prepared by attorney William J. Johnstone
(who would later become the MWA’s first attorney) and the Mojave-Antelope Water Agency Committee. Introduced by State Senator
Stanford C. Shaw, the bill gave the people of the High Desert the right to determine water policies for the Mojave River.
On July 18, the bill was signed into law by Governor Edmund G. “Pat” Brown.
The members of the formation committee for the Mojave Water Agency included M. Penn Phillips, Hesperia; Newton T. Bass, Apple
Valley; Robert J. Speth, Daggett; Harold V. Smith, Helendale; Henry W. Balsinger, Hinkley; Mayor George Oakes, Barstow; Edward
A. Rodeman, secretary, Victorville; William J. Johnstone, legal adviser, Victorville; E.F. Dibble, engineering adviser, Redlands.
In June of 1960 the people voted overwhelmingly to form the Mojave Water Agency, casting 2,860 votes in favor, with only 606
votes in opposition.Because the economy of the high desert in 1960 was based primarily on farming and ranching, a majority
of the MWA’s first board of directors were farmers and ranchers.
The passage of the Water Act authorized the state to issue nearly $2 billion in bonds. Property owners within the MWA service
area were obligated to pay their fair share of the costs of constructing the California Aqueduct. To meet fiscal requirements
from the 1960 state-wide bond, the MWA began assessing property owners a tax referred to as Debt One. In 1961 the Agency’s
Board of Directors consisted of 11 members, seven elected and four appointed. As the board wrestled with the new problems
arising from the fledgling agency, several key questions and issues emerged.
Taken from http://www.mojavewater.org/home/about/aboutHistContent.aspx on 9/17/2009
Series Arrangement
Series 1 Mojave Water Agency Meeting Minutes, Memorandum, and Court Case
Subject Headings
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection
Mojave Water Agency
Water-rights
Water-supply
Western Americana -- 1900-1960