Imperial Valley press., 1929-01-10
To the People Of
Imperial Valley
January 10th, 1929

Imperial Valley stands at critical point in its
history. Possessed Of vast acreage of extraordinarily
fertile soil, adequate water supply capable of de-
livery at reasonable costs, climate that produces
growing period for crops throughout the entire year.
permitting the supply of exclusive markets, proximity
10 great consuming centers and uneXceled transport
aon facilities; yet in the face Of all these advantages
The valley has witnessed during the past years
a steady decline in its land values This decline has
reached point where valley land can be today bought
at half or less the acreage values commanded by farm
ing lands in other sections Of the southwest having
substantially less productive capacity.
The causes of this anomalous situation can readi-
ly be traced. Any farming section, particularly in
new and partially developed country is dependent for
The maintenance of land values upon steady influx
Of new settlers and new capital. The inflow of new
population and money that would normally have pour
ed into the valley during late years by reason of it's
great productivity has been cut off by two causes;
first by broadcasng to the world that the valley and
It's inhabitants are IN imminent danger OF being wiped
out by flood on the Colorado River, and second by
the constantly increasing burden OF taxation IN the
valley and the fear of further increases Excessive
taxation will as inevitably destroy land values will
the threat Of destruction by flood
Fortunately, today Imperial Valley is in posi-
ton to break down these two barriers to her future
growth, restore its land values and resume its place in
the estimate of the outside world to which it's natural
resources entitle it.
The flood menace as every we'll informed resi-
dent of the valley knows, acute herald
ed the country and now that flood control of the
river by the Federal Government is assured should be
eliminated from consideration The time is now ripe
for constructive opposed to destructive publicity
concerning the valley and its future.
The taxation problem is perhaps more difficult
but can be solved by program of rigid economy in
the conduct of both Irrigation District and City and
County business To accomplish these ends it is vital
that there be united effort the part of all who
interested in the valley with the elimination of all
differences and ipa1O
AS first step in united effort for the llpbuilding
of the valley and the restoration of its prestige,
propose:
1. A well considered and adequately financed
campaingn calling the attention of the world to what
ImDerial Valley offers in opportunity to the settler
and the investor should be shortly naugurated by the
Associated Chambers of Commerce, the County Board
1T Trade OF Imperial Valley and other commercial
bodies. This campaign should be backed by every
person and agency having financial interest in the
valley.
2. careful survey should be made bv competent
experts of the present cost of District County and
MunlclDa Government for the purpose of eliminating
waste balancing financial budgets and in general put
ting pubic operations on more economical basis.
To such program The Southern Serras Power
Company and the Imperial Ice & Development Com
pany representing two of the largest investments in
the valley, pledge their active aid and support
AB. WEST
President, The Southern Sierras Power Company.
President, The Imperial Ice & Development Co.