News Release Archive

Reclamation Investigates Vandalism at Dodson Diversion Dam and Associated Facilities

Media Contact: Paula Holwegner, (406) 247-7300, pholwegner@gp.usbr.gov
Buck Feist, bfeist@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: July 29, 2008

Vandals recently attacked Dodson Diversion Dam, shooting the control house door and removing a chain link gate panel from the safety fence. These incidents are the latest and most severe in a series that threaten this vital feature of the valleys irrigation economy.

Vandalism of federal property is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. Reclamation is working with the Malta Irrigation District, Phillips County Sheriff and the Ft. Belknap Indian Community Tribal police department to investigate these incidents.

The Dodson Dam facilities are owned the United States, under the administration of Reclamation's Montana Area Office in Billings, Mont. The Malta Irrigation District operates and maintains these facilities under contract with Reclamation for the benefit of its members who rely on the dam to deliver water to their fields. Repair costs related to the vandalism are the responsibility of the Malta Irrigation District which receives its funding through assessments of the membership.

Anyone with knowledge about these acts of vandalism is asked to call Reclamation's Crime Witness Hot Line: 1-800-437-2744. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to apprehension and prosecution of anyone involved.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Montana Area Office Home Page