News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces $191,000 of Economic Recovery Funding for the Removal of Trailers and Mobile Homes at Lake Berryessa in California

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

For Release: March 19, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Bureau of Reclamation, an agency of the Department of Interior, announced that Reclamation's Mid-Pacific Region has issued a $191,000 contract award under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to remove abandoned trailers and mobile homes left after the expiration of 50-year old concession contracts at Lake Berryessa, California. Lake Berryessa is situated 8 miles west of Winters and 14 miles northeast of Napa.

Custom Builders, of Twain Harte, California, was awarded the contract based on their expertise in construction and previous experience with deteriorated structures.  Custom Builders will comply with environmental regulations and remove the remaining structures while protecting the surrounding terrain from erosion. 

In 1958, Napa County and Reclamation entered into an agreement for the recreational development of federally owned lands at Lake Berryessa. Resorts were developed on 1,700 acres, and over the years trailer sites were introduced with recreational, part-time rental agreements. However, nearly all of the trailers had become permanent with decks and other structures. The Visitor Services Plan's Record of Decision of 2006 indicated that the trailers were no longer permitted. The removal of over 1,500 trailers began and some have been abandoned on site, requiring removal.  

"California's lakes are an ecological treasure to the state. With the use of ARRA funds, the removal of the deteriorated structures at Lake Berryessa will fulfill a legal requirement and prepare the areas for new concessions," said Michael Connor, Reclamation's commissioner. "The people of California will be able to recreate in a safe environment at the lake".

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.