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Show 90 PROBLEMS OF IMPERIAL VALLEY AND VICINITY. to be feasible, nor to what extent it can be utilized for the development of hydroelectric power, it seems to us that it would be extremely difficult at this time to consider or determine the relative proportions of the total cost which might properly be assigned to storage^ flood-control, and power development. Until the investigations are completed and cost estimates based thereon submitted to the different irrigation districts now cooperating under the terms of the Kinkaid Act, so that they be examined and an approximation made" of the acreage charges Decessary to cover the cost of the proposed works, it would be impossible for ub to decide whether or not we can cooperate in power development. We would prefer, then, that the investigations be continued to completion at the expense of the irrigation districts now contributing, and that the matter of the nature and extent of participation to be guaranteed by the sevpral districts affected be thereafter considered and determined. In our judgment, Mr. Davis, it is more vitally necessary now than ever before that a definite plan for development of the lower Colorado River Basin must be decided upon, and that Congress must assist by appropriate legislative action in the accomplishment of the work if disaster to our valley is to be averted- You know personally and officially the elements of hazard, uncertainty, and extreme danger in our situation, which will not permit of longer delay in dealing with the situation in a broad and permanent way. We trust that the work now in progress will be prosecuted as rapidly as possible, and that you will soon be able to report definitely upon the feasibility of the Boulder Canyon Dam, and-that a bill may be framed to give full force and effect to.the recommendations contained in.the Secretary's report to Congress. Respectfully submitted. By order of the board of directors. J. S. Nickerson, President. Department op Public Service, ¦ Los Angeles, November 22, 1920. Hon. Arthur P. Davis, ' United States Reclamation Service, Yuma, Ariz. My Dear Mr. Davis: I naye your letter of the 11th instant in reference to proposed developments on the Colorado River and in reply beg to say: The principles butlined by you to govern participation and order of preference-appear to me sound and reasonable. The city of Los Angeles, I am convinced, would be willing to participate in the-expenpes of power development. Furthermore, 1 am equally confident that the city of Los Angeles would undertake special financing on a Targe scale for the power project under conditions prescribed by the Government, protecting the Government, the city, and other participants. This plan would probably be in the interest of an early commencement and completioit 67 the work. Later, when you shall require it, a formal statement will doubtless be issued by the proper authorities defining the attitude of Los Angeles upon such power project. I should add that Mr. W. B. Mathews, special counsel of the Los Angeles department of public service, with whom I have been conferring on the above matters, fully concurs in the views here expressed. Very truly yours, Wm. Mulholland. Chief Engineer. CoACHELLA VALLEY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT CfF RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CoatheUa; Calif., November 28, 1920. Hon. Arthur P. Davis, k . Director United States Reclamation Service, Yuma, Ariz: Dear Sir: Your favor of November 11, in which you outline the general principles: under which you propose to distribute the costs and benefits in carrying out thV project to be considered in you!1 report to Congress under the Kinkaid Act, has been received, and has been under discussion by this board upon several occasions. This district board is in accord with and indorses the general principles as therein-outlined by you and wishes to state that it is desirous of participating in the project as a whole; provided, however- First. That the final report shows that it will be practical from an engineering and economic standpoint to this district. |
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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] : |