News Release Archive

Public Meeting Planned on Security Measures at Palisades Dam

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@usbr.gov
John Tiedeman, jtiedeman@usbr.gov

For Release: October 01, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation will host a public information meeting on October 8 to discuss the implementation of permanent security measures at Palisades Dam, located on the South Fork of the Snake River about 55 miles southeast of Idaho Falls, Idaho. The dam is part of Reclamation's Palisades Project.

The meeting is open to the public and will be held at the Swan Valley High School, 3389 Swan Valley Highway, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in Irwin, Idaho, located on Highway 26 about 50 miles east of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The meeting facility is accessible to people with disabilities. Contact Mr. Ryan Newman at (208) 678-0461 ext. 38, for sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired or other auxiliary aids.

Reclamation's long-term goal is to implement necessary corrective actions for security and safety, with minimal inconvenience to the 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 improvements for vehicle access.

Alternatives will be identified and evaluated in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act, including an opportunity for public involvement, in the summer of 2010. 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 proposal or the NEPA process can be sent to Chris Ketchum, Assistant Area Manager, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Snake Field Office, 1359 Hansen Avenue, Burley ID 83318-1821. For questions concerning the environmental process, please contact Ryan Newman at (208) 678-0461 ext. 38, or via e-mail at rnewman@usbr.gov.

# # #

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.