News Release Archive

Reclamation Announces $3.1 Million to Fund Inspections of Canal Reaches Located in Urbanized Areas

Media Contact: Peter Soeth, 303-910-7473, psoeth@usbr.gov

For Release: August 30, 2010

DENVER, COLO. - The Bureau of Reclamation, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, has awarded a $2,060,301 contract under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to RockSol Consulting Group, Inc. of Westminster, Colo., and $1,039,837 to Aero-Metric, Inc. of Fort Collins, Colo.

RockSol Consulting Group, Inc. will perform onsite inspections of identified Reclamation canals in urbanized areas, approximately 168 canal reaches which total more than 791 miles, throughout the western states. Aero-Metric, Inc. will perform aerial inspections of more than 946 miles of Reclamation canal reaches in urbanized areas in the western states.

"This is the second part of inspections for canals in urbanized areas," Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor said. "The results will be combined with other data to provide 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 http://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.

# # #

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.