Imperial Valley press., 1921-07-28
Pr R TINE \ 7
FACTS YOU
OUGHT To
KNOW.
Valley Bankers Issue Brief
Statement for Information
of Tourists and Visitors
About Resources and Con-
ditiOns. "a LEI a4as

The Imperial Valley Bankers asso
citation has issued a most attractive
catchism Of Imperial Valley which is
submitted for the edifcation of local
citizens, although intended, primarily,
to teach distanct prospective inhabi-
tants what they can expect here. The
following is the full text:
Where is the Imperial Valley?
In Southern California, along the
Mexican border.
How big is it?
Approximately the size of Connec-
ticut
What is it good for?
Farming. Especially for growing
products for the early market and for
dairy products.
What is the rainfall?
Practically none. BY irrigation cam
ais water is brought from the Colorado
river, so miles away, where an i'm
mense headgate diverts enough to
water half million acres.
Is the supply constant?
1t is. and most abundant in the sea-
son of greatest demand. The valley
has never suffered a real water short
age. 4
What do you raise down there?
Melons early vegetables, fruits and
the products of general farming. The
most important crop is alfalfa which
is the basis of our wealth. We have
about $4,000 dairy cows and $4,000
feeders.
How about cotton?
Cotton has been an important crop
in that section of the valley across the
Mexican border and during the last
two years has been heavily planted or
the American side: but cotton is being
gradually displaced by alfalfa for cat.
tie and sheep feeding and the produc-
ton of butter fat.
Who owns the land?
A large proportion is owned by non-
residents, but the local farmers arc
gradually acquiring it.
What is the price of land?
1t is the cheapest land of like quality
in the state of California. Good al
falfa land sells for from $3.50 to $3.50
per acre and this includes a perpetual
water right.
Is the cost of water high?
According to the bond commissions
report, it is the cheapest water in the
state. Water costs about $500 per
acre foot.
How much do you owe?
The bonded Indebtedness of the val
ley is about $12 100000. This includes
about $S.500,000 debt of the Imperial
Irrigation district which represents
the entire cost of and investment in our
irrigation system. The balance is
owed by school districts, municipali-
ties and for county highways.
Have your bonds ordinarily found Il
ready sale?
Yes. Until the recent slump in the
erly sought by investors.
What is the total assessed valuation?
In 1920 it was $73,000,000.
What is your total production?
The ratio of annual production to
assessed valuation is very high. In
1920 it was estimated that the gross
products amounted to $50,000,O 900.
How much stuff do you ship annually?
The report Of the Southern Pacific
railway shows $4,000 car lots shipped
during the year 1920. This does not
include dairy products and other conf
modities shipped in less than car lots.
Is the country growing?
During the last decade Imperial
county the second highest ratio of
growth in the United States.
What kind of people live there?
For the most part 100 per cent AM
orleans. During the war Imperial
county furnished the largest number
of soldiers per capita of any county ir
the state of California.
Are your schools up to the standard
Of Southern California?
They are. There are none better.
What about roads?