- Reclamation
- News & Multimedia
- News Releases
- News Release Archive
- $1.7 Million Contract Awarded for Fish Barrier Construction on the West Fork of the Black River
News Release Archive
$1.7 Million Contract Awarded for Fish Barrier Construction on the West Fork of the Black River
Media Contact:
Patricia Cox , (623) 773-6214 , pcox@usbr.gov
Jeff Riley, jriley@usbr.gov
For Release: October 02, 2014
PHOENIX - Bureau of Reclamation Acting Commissioner Lowell Pimley announced that Reclamation has awarded a $1.7 million contract to construct a fish barrier to assist in the protection and restoration of natives fishes in the West Fork of the Black River. The fish barrier will be constructed 14 miles southwest of Alpine, Arizona.
"In addition to its primary role of delivering water and power, Reclamation serves as the co-manager of watersheds and ecosystems where its dams and water projects are located," Pimley said. "Building this fish barrier is one step to help restore the ecosystem in the West Fork of the Black River."
The project is the culmination of coordination and cooperation among Reclamation, Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, Arizona Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Construction of the concrete fish barrier near the mouth of the West Fork of the Black River will protect the existing native fish community and allow restoration of the endangered loach minnow and threatened Apache trout.
The fish barrier project was included in a public involvement and environmental assessment process conducted by the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. The environmental assessment was adopted by Reclamation in its Finding of No Significant Impact issued in September 2014.
# # #
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.
