Appraisal Report Central Arizona Project

Document: "Appraisal Report Central Arizona Project-Chapter I", January 1962, page 3direct delivery of Colorado River water could be made. The Central Service Zone is depicted on plate 2, which shows the pressent development in the area and the location of project facilities. The Upper Tributaries Zone embraces those watershed areas, including the San Pedro River and upper Gila River watersheds of Arizona and New Mexico, in which associated project facilities were included in the 1947 report and to which additional water could be made available through exchange arrangements for Colorado River water. Natural Resources The Central Arizona Project area which occupies a strategic location in the southwestern United States is richly endowed with land, climate, and mineral resources. The unprecedented growth that has occurred and the potential still offered are dependent on water supply availability. Climate--The attractiveness of the Southwest winter climate is a magnet that annually draws thousands of persons, as individuals and families, to seek relief from extreme cold. Seasonal residence often leads to permanent relocation. The hot summers and the mild winters give a long growing season, producing high yields. The climate variation within the Gila River Basin makes it possible to change from desert conditions to conifer forests within 2 to 3 hours drive from the population centers. Air conditioning equipment in business, home, and vehicle has extended the range of human tolerance to the summer season. Precipitation occurs seasonally throughout the project area in the winter and during the late summer. The range is from 7 inches in the Phoenix area to 12 inches at Cliff, New Mexico. Lands--Arable lands with a sustained irrigation history are more extensive than can be provided a firm water supply from the Central Arizona Project. In 1960, 1,162,000 acres were developed for irrigation in the Central 3Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 1,049,142 byte