Carey act

The Carey Act of 1894 allowed private companies in the U.S. to erect irrigation systems in the western, semi-arid states, and profit from the sales of water. Through advertising, these companies attracted farmers to the many states which successfully utilized the act, Notably Idaho and Wyoming.

The Act established the General Land Office, which was controlled by the federal government. This land office assigned as many as one million acres (4,000 km²) of land for each western state. Each state then had to regulate the new land, selecting private contractors, selecting settlers, and the maximum price they could charge for water. Potential settlers who met specific requirements were granted convert|160|acre|km2 each. Projects were financed by the development companies, who eventually handed over control to an operating company.

In most states, settlers had to pay an entry fee, plus a small amount for each acre of land, and meet several guidelines. In Iowa, for example, settlers had to cultivate and irrigate at least one sixteenth of their parcel within one year from the date which water became available. After another year, one eighth had to be cultivated, and by the third year — had the settler lived in the land, and paid all necessary fees — they would receive the deed to that parcel.

ee also

* Newlands Reclamation Act of 1902