News Release Archive

Bureau of Reclamation Announces $100,000 in Recovery Act Funds for Non-Native Fish Removal from Utah Lake

Media Contact: Joan Moody, 202.208.6416
Lisa Iams, 801.524.3673, liams@usbr.gov

For Release: August 30, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Provo Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation, an agency of the Department of the Interior, awarded a contract under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009, totaling $100,000 to the Central Utah Water Conservancy District (CUWCD) of Orem, Utah, for the removal of non-native fish from Utah Lake to aid in the recovery of the native June sucker (Chasmistes liorus).

The June sucker is endemic only to Utah Lake, located in north central Utah. In 1986, it was federally listed as an endangered species due to significant population decline associated with water development, impacts on natural habitat, and competition with non-native fish, specifically the common carp (Cyprinus carpio). The June Sucker Recovery Implementation Program (JSRIP) was established to recover the June sucker while allowing for continued water development.

Because of the significant impact of non-native carp on the June sucker, the multi-agency JSRIP has supported projects to investigate the feasibility of physically reducing the common carp population in Utah Lake, monitor carp movement, and evaluate the potential of various methods for controlling carp.

The Central Utah Water Conservancy District, a participating member of the JSRIP, has been identified by Reclamation and other JSRIP participants as the responsible agency for a general account used to gather funds to support recovery work outlined in the annual JSRIP guidance. This ARRA supported project will allow for the removal of up to 500,000 pounds of carp from Utah Lake.

"Reclamation continues to work collaboratively with the JSRIP partners to identify program activities that will assist in the recovery of the endangered June sucker," said Michael L. Connor, Reclamation commissioner."Successful carp control within Utah Lake would significantly improve the existing habitat conditions and aid in the recovery of the June sucker."

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enacted in 2009 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 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.