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Secretary Salazar Announces $4.5 Million Recovery Act Contract for the Replacement of Transformers at Folsom Powerplant

Media Contact: , , 08/05/2009 20:31

For Release: August 05, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 5, 2009
Contact:	Joan Moody (202) 208-6416
	Pete Lucero (916) 978-5100

Secretary Salazar Announces $4.5 Million Recovery Act Contract for the Replacement of Transformers at Folsom Powerplant

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announces that the Bureau of Reclamation's Mid-Pacific Region has issued a $4.5 million contract under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to replace two outdated transformers at Reclamation's Folsom Powerplant located at Folsom Dam in the City of Folsom, California.

Power generated at the Folsom Powerplant is first used to meet requirements of Reclamation's Central Valley Project, including power for the pumping plant that supplies the local domestic water supply; the remaining energy is marketed to various preference power customers in Northern California. Folsom Powerplant, built in 1955, has an installed capacity of 198,720 kilowatts, enough power to supply about 18,065 typical United States households for 1 year. While this project will not increase the powerplant's capacity, replacement of the 54-year-old transformers will help ensure long-term power production in the region.

Koontz Electric Company, Inc., of Morrilton, Arkansas, was awarded the contract based on its superior technical proposal and lowest evaluated price. The company, located in a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone, will provide needed employment opportunities generated by the project.

"The contract will provide a boost to an area in need of economic development and reflects positively on the intent of the Stimulus to reach all Americans by providing employment and investment opportunities. The $4.5 million investment made by the Department of the Interior through President Obama's economic recovery plan will help stimulate the economy of Arkansas while assuring the delivery of needed electric power in California," said Secretary Salazar.

The ARRA funds are part of a stimulus package that is an important component of the President's plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the Country can thrive in the 21st century. In development of the stimulus package, priority was given to funding relatively large projects which would create lasting value for the public. Funds from ARRA will allow Reclamation to make a significant contribution to the recovery and stabilization of the economy of the United States in a short time.

Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department of the Interior's economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on www.recovery.gov and on www.interior.gov/recoverySecretary Salazar has appointed a Senior Advisor for Economic Recovery, Chris Henderson, and an Interior Economic Recovery Task Force. Henderson and the Task Force will work closely with the Department of the Interior's Inspector General to ensure that the recovery program is meeting the high standards for accountability, responsibility and transparency that President Obama has set.

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit Reclamation's website at www.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.