News Release Archive

MEDIA ADVISORY - Reclamation and Law Enforcement Emergency Response Training Exercise at Flaming Gorge Dam

Media Contact: Reclamation: Lisa Iams, 801-524-3673, 04/27/2009 15:30
Utah Dept. of Public Safety: Sgt. Jeff Nigbur, 801-557-8502, jnigbur@utah.gov

For Release: April 27, 2009

On May 6, 2009, the Bureau of Reclamation along with county, state, and federal law enforcement emergency response entities will participate in a counter-terrorism training exercise at Flaming Gorge Dam. The day-long exercise is intended to provide opportunities for specialized law enforcement groups to test and assess emergency response strategies and tactics, communication and coordination, and incident management. These exercises are being conducted in the interest of national security to protect critical water and power infrastructure facilities and to ensure public safety.

What: Law Enforcement Emergency Response Training Exercise

When: Wednesday May 6, 2009
           8:00 a.m.  4:00 p.m.

** Media are invited to attend. All exercise segments visible and open for media coverage will occur between 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at the Flaming Gorge Visitor Center and parking area. However, the Utah Highway Patrol Dive Team exercise segment will run throughout the day and will be available for media coverage from the visitor center parking area and from on the dive boat. All other exercise segments scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. are not accessible to media as they will take place inside the dam, a secure area.

Where: Flaming Gorge Dam Visitor Center and parking area [east end]

Who: Bureau of Reclamation, Utah Department of Public Safety, Daggett County, FBI

Details: Because this exercise will occur within an 8-hour period, some exercise segments will run concurrently

Contact:  We request advance notice of all media interested in attending the exercise to ensure necessary coordination, accommodations [e.g. landing area for helicopters, staging area for satellite trucks] and sufficient availability of media identifiers [arm bands] for exercise. Please contact Lisa Iams at Reclamation's Upper Colorado Region Public Affairs Office: 801-524-3673 or 801-891-3951 [cell] or liams@usbr.gov by May 4, 2009.

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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.