The present-day Gravelly Ford Water District had its beginnings in the late 1940's in Madera County. George Pope, Jr. owner of the El Peco Ranch, was desirous of receiving a supply of water from the Bureau of Reclamation. As they would not sell water to an individual, it was necessary to form an alliance. Mr. Pope approached other farmers in the area with the suggestion of starting an association for the purpose of receiving water from the Bureau.
This association was to take the form of a stock company with shares being sold which entitled the shareholder to purchase water. The water was to be received through the old Miller & Lux canal called Gravelly Ford Canal, so the group called themselves the Gravely Ford Water Association. The price of each share was $9.
In addition to Mr. Pope, those involved in the original operation were: Eldred Lane, right hand man to Mr. Pope and President of the Association; Hart Nelson, Charles Fleming, a Mr. Burkhart, Urgel Gendron, C. J. Emmert, who was Secretary, and George Andrew. Mr. Emmert was a great asset to the group as he had owned The Madera Canal Company.
This Association continued for some years until the Bureau of Reclamation gave them notice that to continue receiving water from the Central Valley Project, they must have a contract. This required forming a water district and negotiating a contract.
Gravelly Ford Water District
1516 Howard Road, #324, Madera CA 93637
(559) 474-1000
California Supreme Court
Filed: September 12th, 1923.
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