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REGIONAL DATA Delta County ie uniquely located on the Eastern edge of the Great American Desert and the Western Slope of the Rocky Mountains at the base of the Grand Heea, the world's largest flat top mesa. It contains the canyons of the Uncompaghre and the Gunnison Rivera and the North rim of the Black Canyon, and ie surrounded by the Weat Elk and San Juan Mountains. The 1,100 square miles contain fertile agricultural valleys that produce corn, beano, onions, grains and hay, broccoli, lettuce and other new experimental trope. It ie the largest fruit producing county in the state with early apricots to fall apples and grape vineyards being developed at the hlgher elevations around Paonia in the North Fork Area. Cattle, sheep, lamas, domesticated elk, mink, rabbit e, chinchillas and chickens are all raised in the county and provide a large portion of the income for the over 22,000 inhabitants of the six towns ranging in elevation from 4,700 to 11,000 feet above sea level. Although the county's major economic income ie agricultural, a number of governmental agencies are also located within the County including the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Soil Conservation office, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service & U.S.Farm Home Administration and a number of state agency offices. Tourism, fishing, and big game hunting are also a portion of the economic income. A historical pioneer village has been developed in Cedaredge., The Confluence Park in Delta at the River's confluence, ie in the developmental stage, and Gold Medal Fishing on the North Fork of the Gunnison River ie available through the purchase of prlvate land along the river to provide access for fishermen. A new nine hole golf course in Cedaredge to be completed by the spring of 1992 plus the present nine hole course in Delta provide ample activities for both inhabitants of the county and tourists. The county le accessed by United States Highway 50 and 550 the major North/South arterial through the County, and Colorado Highways 92, 133, 65 and 348 providing Eaet/West access. Air service ie available at Blake Field, in Delta with a 4,800 foot paved runway for private planes. Hontroee County Airport, twenty miles South of Delta and Walker Field, 40 miles West in Grand Junction provide daily air service from all major airports. Aail service ie provided by the Denver and Rio Grand Western Railroad and daily bus service is scheduled to Delta. Air Express and United Parcel Service are also available in the county. The county has a consolidated school district which also includes a portion of Gunnison county and Hontroee County and provides a comprehensive educational program from head start through grade twelve. An alternative educational program for high school students, and a vocational facility for students of all ages, and applied learning centers in the local schools utilizing technological training. Delta County Memorial Hospital has a 49 bed capacity and provides general medical and diagnostic care with the latest of modern equipment. Twenty two physicians and resident specialist provide services There are three major nursing homes located throughout the county. A mental health center, and a number of dentists and chiropractic practices are located in the county. Home health care ie available on a outreach baele for the homebound. County government ie administered by a three member board of elected County Commissioners and towns within the county are mayor-council governed with local chambers of commerce.