News Release Archive

Reclamation and Pensus Sign Long-Term Contract for Concession Management at Lake Berryessa

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

For Release: April 29, 2010

On April 28, 2010, the Bureau of Reclamation signed a contract with Pensus Lake Berryessa Properties, LLC (Pensus LBP) for management of six concession areas at Lake Berryessa, located in Napa County, California, about 10 miles from the city of Winters.  The 30-year concession contract will remain in effect until December 31, 2040, and will include an option to extend the contract for an additional 10 years.

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome Pensus to the Lake Berryessa community.  We look forward to a very positive and successful working relationship in the coming years," stated Donald R. Glaser, Regional Director for Reclamation's Mid-Pacific Region.  "Pensus joins our other long-term Lake Berryessa concession contractor, Forever Resorts at Pleasure Cove Marina, in providing a diverse range of quality recreation opportunities for the visiting public."  

Pensus LBP plans to provide initial services at select Lake Berryessa locations for the upcoming 2010 recreation season.  The new partnership with Reclamation will promote a safe, family-friendly atmosphere, support the surrounding communities, and provide a broad spectrum of recreation services at the lake while preserving and protecting the area's natural resources.  For detailed information on the 2010 season and in future years, please visit the Pensus LBP website at http://www.berryessalake.com/.

"Pensus Group would like to thank Reclamation for the effort and commitment necessary to bring this complex transaction to fruition," stated Chairman and CEO David Maule-Ffinch.  "The signing of this contract will now allow work to start on the improvement and expansion of services at Lake Berryessa.  We anticipate a very successful public/ private partnership in the best interests of the visiting public."

Operated by Reclamation's Central California Area Office as part of the Solano Project, Lake Berryessa is visited by some 1.5 million people annually.  Reclamation manages a number of Government-operated recreation facilities at Lake Berryessa, including the visitor center and water education center, a boat launch ramp at Capell Cove, a hand-launch ramp at Eticuera Day Use Area, and picnicking, fishing, and swimming at the popular Oak Shores and Smittle Creek Day-Use Areas.  Additionally, Reclamation will continue to provide limited camping at Oak Shores during summer 2010.  John C. Frazier III will continue to operate Markley Cove concession area under an interim contract until 2013.

Additional information on Lake Berryessa is available at their website, Reclamation's Projects and Facilities website as well as   recreational opportunities.

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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.