Economic and Social Change in the Columbia Basin, Washington.

When an economically inert, semi-arid land, larger than the state of Rhode Island, receives water, a Cinderella like transformation takes place. People move in, farm production increases, business establishments are built and commerce begins. This economic awakening augments investment opportunities, employment, and income. As economic activity broadens, it adds balance to the local and regional economy. These changes on the local scene can be easily observed and recorded. The changes farther removed from the area of impact are not so easily measured although the direct and indirect ties between the local and national economy are in evidence everywhere. Where the factors of production are as fluid as in the United States, the development, or more efficient use of resources in one area, results in long-run benefits which are diffused industrially and geographically. In this paper, attempts have been made to measure some of the regional and national changes in economy resulting from irrigation of the Columbia Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]