News Release Archive

Bureau of Reclamation Announces $1,160,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Funding for Paving Work

Media Contact: Doug Hendrix , (928) 343-8145, dhendrix@usbr.gov

For Release: February 11, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Bureau of Reclamation, an agency of the Department of the Interior, has awarded a $1,160,000 contract to Safe and Secure Construction of Phoenix under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

Under this award, the contractor will replace approximately 65,000 square yards of pavement in parking areas and roadways at Reclamation's Yuma Area Office complex west of Yuma, Ariz., and along one mile of roadway that runs atop an existing levee near the office complex.

"These areas were originally paved in the 1970s," said Michael L. Connor, Reclamation commissioner. "Although portions of these areas have been replaced or repaired since then, some of the pavement has deteriorated to the point that it is a safety hazard for Reclamation employees, visitors and members of the public who use the levee roadway and/or parking areas. This project will address and resolve those safety issues."

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed earlier this year gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior.

The ARRA funds represent 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. Under the ARRA, Interior is making an investment in conserving America's timeless treasures - our stunning natural landscapes, our monuments to liberty, the icons of our culture and heritage - while helping American families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, the needs of American Indians, employing youth and promoting community service.

"With its investments of Recovery Act funds, the Department of the Interior and its bureaus are putting people to work today to make improvements that will benefit the environment and the region for many years to come," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said.

Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department'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/recovery. Secretary Salazar has appointed a Senior Advisor for Economic Recovery, Chris Henderson, and an Interior Economic Recovery Task Force to work closely with Interior's Inspector General and ensure the recovery program is meeting the high standards for accountability, responsibility, and transparency set by President Obama.

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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.