News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces $2.71 Million to Fund Inspections of Canal Reaches Located in Urbanized Areas

Media Contact: Peter Soeth, 303-445-3615

For Release: March 30, 2010

Reclamation's Recovery Act ProjectsDENVER, COLO. - The Bureau of Reclamation, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, has awarded a $2,545,952 contract under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to Basepoint Design Corporation of Aurora, Colo., and $166,872 to Aero-Metric of Fort Collins, Colo.

Basepoint Design Corporation will perform onsite inspections of identified canals in urbanized areas, approximately 230 canal reaches which total more than 985 miles, throughout the western states. Aero-Metric will perform aerial inspections of identified canals in Arizona and Southern California.

"These inspections will provide important data to help ensure that canal reaches continue to provide authorized project benefits and are properly operated and maintained," said Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor. "These inspections will benefit existing programs by providing a basis for determining any long-term management requirements."

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.

Relevant Link:

Recovery Act Website

Interior's Recovery Act Website