Imperial Valley press., 1926-10-20
SETTLE FLOOD MENACE CONTROVERSY

1t is to be hoped that action taken yesterday at a
meeting of the Imperial Irrigation district directors
and representatives OF banks carrying large amount
of irrigation district bonds investigate the flood
menace below the Mexican border, will result in settling
definitely just how much danger there is threatening
the valley IN case OF sudden in the Colorado.
The bankers, several Of who in attendance at
the meeting IN CaeXco week ago, when it de-
clded TO ask the government for immediate appro-
priaOn for flood protection work to the confer
with the intention of convincing directors that
such an appropriation IS an immediate and vital neces
slty.
However, the directors, more familiar with the ac-
tual conditions or their nformants,
and possibly than the bankers give them credit
Tor being declared that condition exists that will
warrant asking the government for funds time
Their position, stated by President Pound that
the present evees of the district good condition
and capable of taking OF abnormal
III the river. TO construct additional down
the delta territory Where bankers and the Chandler
interests would have them placed, would be weaken
the levees nearer the American border, that is those
levees which directly protect Imperial Valley The
additional levees beiow the Pescadero cut would pro-
tect Mexican land interests, but would add one BIT
to the protection OF the American Imperial valley.
he bankers contend that Imperial Valley
sidered safe place financial circles Tor bond in
O vestnent because of the flood Yet by seek
ing aid those wishing appropriation for
evees the delta region, they actually paving
way to make the valley undesirable tor pond invest
ment.
Bankers and directors finally agreed to have DR.. FL
wood Mead, director OF the Reclamation service,
survey the levee system report on the
actual conditions.
- Dr.. Mead thoroughly familiar with the entire I'M
perlal irrigation olstrlct system, and standing
Such that neither directors bankers can question
- the Authenticity of any report ne may make. Both
~s agreed to accept his report final
In this way 1t is hoped to put stop to wild
= Which have peen circulated throughout the state
the nation recently to the effect that Imperial Valley
IN serious danger flood menace SO distorted
nave these rumors been that many people actually be-
eve that II the river did into the valley would
follow the style OF the Johnstow flood, drowning out
everything IN few hours time whereas took months
III I9Uo-Oo for the river sections of the
valley. Such belief tends to discourage prospective
settlers from coming here.
Should DIR. Mead believe the present levee system is
inadequate, 1t will then be to consider requesting
an appropriation. II his report confirms the opinion
o. the directors that additional levees are not neces-
sary, 1t Will doubtless put stop to the erroneous re-
ports circulated about the valleys condition.
AS pointed out IN this column last week. there is one
remedy for any flood menace Imperial Valley That
Is passage Of the Swing-J ohnson BILL Should Dr.
MeadS report uphold the contention of the district d-
recors, there will no longer be any reason for valley
residents not standing shoulder to shoulder in support
of the bill and its immediate passage by congress-