OCR Text |
Show [35] Average value of irrigated lands per acre, $150. Average annual precipitation, 4 inches. Source of water supply, Colorado River. Market for products, local and general, good. Distance from railroad, 1 to 10 miles. The present irrigation system consists of a pumping plant, with a capacity of 6,000 acres and a contemplated maximum capacity of 10,000 acres. The land is very valuable, because of its adaptability for the growth of Pima cotton. Recently long-term leases have been closed for 3,000 acres of the allotments of minors, with a view to having the land brought under cultivation at the earliest practicable date. The irrigation of all the irrigable lands on the reservation, totaling 150,000 acres, contemplates a gravity system of large proportions. Inasmuch as the reservation comprises a part of the very limited area within the United States where Pima cotton can be grown, and because of the necessity of making an early appropriation of the necessary water from the Colorado River, it is desirable to bring it under cultivation as early as practicable; hence the provision in this estimate of funds for the conduct of surveys and preparation of plans and estimates for this work. In the meantime it is desired to install an additional pump and engine in order to bring the aforesaid 10,000 acres under irrigation, and to provide against the calamity to farmers under the project which could ensue should a serious breakdown occur while there is but one unit available. Funds are also required for the purchase of fuel and supplies for the operation and maintenance of the power plants and the canal system, comprising some 39 miles of laterals and ditches. The maintenance cost of the ditches is comparatively high, owing to the great amount of silt suspended in the Colorado River which, being deposited in the ditches, necessitates frequent cleaning. |
Source |
Original book: [State of Arizona, complainant v. State of California, Palo Verde Irrigation District, Coachella Valley County Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, City of Los Angeles, California, City of San Diego, California, and County of San Diego, California, defendants, United States of America, State of Nevada, State of New Mexico, State of Utah, interveners] : California exhibits. |