News Release Archive

Public Meeting Planned on Interim Security Measures at Anderson Ranch Dam

Media Contact: David Walsh, (208) 378-5026, dwalsh@usbr.gov
Steve Dunn, sdunn@usr.gov

For Release: July 27, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation will host a public information meeting on August 4 to discuss the implementation of interim security measures at Anderson Ranch Dam. The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the South Fork Boise River Senior Center, 350 North Pine Featherville Road, beginning at 1:00 p.m. in Pine, Idaho.

The meeting facility is accessible to people with disabilities. Contact John Tiedeman at (208) 378-5034 for sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired or other auxiliary aids.

Anderson Ranch Dam is on the south fork of the Boise River, about 28 miles northeast of Mountain Home, Idaho, and is part of the Boise Project.

In response to the attacks of September 11, 2001, Reclamation conducted in-depth evaluations of several facilities, including Anderson Ranch Dam. These evaluations determined that potential vulnerabilities existed at the dam and that additional security enhancements were warranted. The proposed interim security measure is to place a 15 foot-wide median barrier on the existing road that crosses the crest of the dam. This barrier would prevent vehicle access to the middle section of the dam crest, but would allow for continued two-way traffic across the dam. Disruption to traffic crossing the dam during construction would be minimal.

Reclamation's long-term goal is to implement necessary corrective actions for security and safety, with minimal inconvenience to the affected public. Long-term measures to permanently address the identified security threats will be explored in collaboration with county governments, the US Forest Service, and other affected agencies. These measures may include construction or improvement of alternatives to provide vehicle access.

Alternatives will be identified and evaluated in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, including an opportunity for public involvement, in the fall of 2009. Traffic will continue to cross over the dam until alternate solutions are permanently established.

"Reclamation's top priority is to ensure the safety and security of both the public and these important facilities," said Jerrold Gregg, Manager, Snake River Area Office.

Written comments and questions about the interim security measures can be sent to Jerrold Gregg, Area Manager, Bureau of Reclamation, Snake River Area Office, 230 Collins Road, Boise ID 83702. For questions concerning the environmental process, please contact Steve Dunn at (208) 383-2222, or via e-mail at sdunn@usbr.gov.

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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.