News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces $492,383 in ARRA Funding to Return Yuma Pipeline to Original Flow Capacity

Media Contact: Doug Hendrix , (928) 343-8145, 05/06/2010 19:17

For Release: May 06, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Bureau of Reclamation, an agency of the Department of the Interior, has awarded a $492,383 contract to BasePoint Design Corporation of Aurora, Colorado, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

BasePoint Design will provide the necessary design(s), field surveying requirements, and cost estimates for Reclamation to use in requesting bids at a later date for the repair and structural upgrading of the 14.6 mile-long Yuma Mesa Conduit near Yuma, Ariz.

"Sediment buildup and structural deficiencies have caused significant deterioration of the pipeline, requiring that it be operated below design capacity so it does not fail," said Commissioner of Reclamation Michael L. Connor. "This project will allow Reclamation to return the pipeline to its original design flow capacities and, in association with other ongoing work, restore Reclamation's ability to fully conduct its groundwater management program in the Yuma area."

Reclamation operates several drainage well systems in the Yuma area. The well fields help control local groundwater levels, helping Reclamation meet contractual obligations with various water districts for draining irrigated lands, for providing return flow water credits, and for providing water to meet treaty delivery obligations to Mexico.

The conduit was installed in 1970 as part of the Colorado River Ground Water Recovery and River Regulation Program. Previous inspections and analysis of the pipe identified the causes of the reduced flow capacity and resulted in conceptual designs and cost estimates to rehabilitate the system. This contract will complete the technical design and cost-estimating process necessary to accomplish the rehabilitation.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was enacted in 2009 provided $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.