News Release Archive

Reclamation announces Arizona Centennial Legacy Project Web Pages

Media Contact: Patricia Cox, 623-773-6214, 02/13/2012 11:53
Jon Czaplicki, 623-773-6253, jczaplicki@usbr.gov

For Release: February 13, 2012

Commissioner Michael L. Connor announced today the launching of a Centennial Legacy Project web site that highlights 'A Century of Cooperation' between the Bureau of Reclamation and the state of Arizona: www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/.

Commissioner Connor said, "Reclamation's legacy will be its continued role in water management, development and protection for the people of the Grand Canyon State, and the economic benefits that will continue to accrue to Arizona as a result of this partnership. Again, congratulations, Arizona, on your 100 years of statehood." In his video-taped message, located at www.usbr.gov/lc/phoenix/, the Commissioner congratulates Arizona and commends the long-term relationship between Reclamation and Arizona that began in Territorial days. Theodore Roosevelt Dam, one of Reclamation's first water resource projects authorized under the Reclamation Act of 1902, was completed and dedicated the year before the achievement of statehood. Reclamation continues to operate Hoover Dam, Glen Canyon Dam, and many other facilities along the Colorado River, and provides oversight for the Central Arizona and Salt River projects. The agency also plays a key role in the negotiation and implementation of Indian water rights settlement activities including the Arizona Water Rights Settlement Act of 2004.

The website includes historical articles such as protecting Hoover Dam after the attacks on Pearl Harbor and the commissioning of Norman Rockwell to paint a portrait of Glen Canyon Dam. "The pages show the continuous, state-wide scope of Reclamation activities, historically and into the future," said Jon Czaplicki, Reclamation archaeologist and chair of the Centennial Legacy project.

The agency chose a newspaper motif to chronicle activities under the headlines of projects, water uses, legislation, the environment, and people for each decade. "We chose newspapers because that is a medium that has persevered throughout the entire period," said Patricia Cox, Phoenix Area public affairs officer. "It's also very visual, allowing a good balance of text and photos."

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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.