News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces the Selected Proposal for New Concession Contract at Lake Berryessa

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, plucero@usbr.gov

For Release: January 14, 2010

The Bureau of Reclamation has selected Pensus Group LLC as the best proposal for six concession areas located at Lake Berryessa in Napa County, California.  Pensus Group submitted a single offer to operate multiple locations, including the Steele Park, Spanish Flat, Lake Berryessa Marina, Rancho Monticello, Markley Cove, and Putah Creek concession areas.  Reclamation and Pensus Group will now initiate discussions to complete a final long-term contract for managing all six concession areas.

"The Pensus Group's proposal will ensure that each of the individual concession areas can be effectively developed and operated," said Mr. Mike Finnegan, Area Manager of the Central California Area Office, Mid-Pacific Region.  "The proposal includes new facilities and enhanced recreational opportunities at Lake Berryessa for the visiting public, which should contribute significantly to the local economy." 

Mr. Finnegan added, "Reclamation is thankful for the funding we received under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 which is being used for cleanup and environmental remediation of previous concession operations.  In addition to providing local jobs, the funding is helping to ensure the sites will be available for use by Pensus as soon as the new contract is awarded."

Reclamation's Central California Area Office manages recreation at Lake Berryessa, which includes seven concession areas, a visitor center, a water education center, free launch ramps, and several day-use picnic areas, including the popular Oaks Shores and Smittle Creek areas.  Some 1.5 million people visit the lake annually.  The Pleasure Cove and Markley Cove concession areas remain open and operational during the winter season.  Lake Berryessa is formed by Monticello Dam on Putah Creek and is located in Napa County about 26 miles northeast of Napa, California.

The new concession improvements will include new and significantly expanded public use facilities such as launch ramps, marinas, stores, restaurants, hotels, lodges, cabins, RV sites, camping sites, and other recreational opportunities.  Additional information on Lake Berryessa is available at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa.

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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.

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