AZ vs. CA:08 California Exhibits, Vol. VIII; Nos. 371-398F

page 7

Report on the Irrigation Season of 1911 Yuma Project Arizona-California. Pp. 4-5: First Unit-Indian Reservation. The areas served by the main canal from the Dam increased from 600 acres in 1910 to 1,720 acres in 1911. The difficulties of operation of new canals and structures have somewhat lessened during the year, and now the system may be considered well primed and the delivery of water satisfactory. In considering the table of operation and maintenance cost for the Indian Reservation unit, the condition of this operation must be considered to fully understand the cost per acre of this feature. This canal system was completed in May, 1910, after a year's work. The settlement began soon after, but very little of the work of clearing and leveling the land was accomplished during 1910, and as yet the entire area is only approximately 75 per cent cleared. During the past summer the canals were cleared of the heavy growth produced in the interval, at a cost of nearly $4,000. An additional cost was the construction of a wooden flume at a point where a break in the canal bank in a section of high fill made it necessary to build such a structure. These exceptional expenses, together with the cost of operation of new canals, are responsible for this high cost per acre. It is estimated that the total cost for maintenance and operation of the 6,500 acres in the unit would, in ordinary years, amount to $10,000. Two tables are attached showing crop report and valuation for the past year. It will be noted that alfalfa is still the most important product of the Project, and it is, without doubt, the most profitable one. From the 'total