News Release Archive

MEDIA ADVISORY: Media Event at Folsom Dam Thursday, September 24 – Temporary Pumps/Crane Operations

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, shunt@usbr.gov

For Release: September 22, 2015

FOLSOM, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation will hold a media event on top of Folsom Dam to provide an update on the status of the temporary emergency floating pump system being constructed. The pump system will have a capacity of 30 cubic feet per second and ensure Reclamation can continue to provide water to local communities should the continuing drought expose the dam’s intake structure due to low water elevations.

WHAT: The media will be able to videotape/photograph crane operations involving the barge and pumps.

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, 9 to 11 a.m. Media should arrive by 9 a.m. for security processing to enter the federal property. No access will be allowed after 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: Central California Area Office, 7794 Folsom Dam Road, Folsom, CA 95630. Media should proceed directly to the security gate. Media credentials are required to receive clearance at the gate.

TRANSPORTATION: After processing through security, media will park their vehicles as directed and be shuttled to the top of Folsom Dam. Only two individuals per media group may participate with a camera and tripod. Media will not be allowed to drive their own vehicles to the dam.

INTERVIEWS: Interviews will be offered with Drew Lessard, Area Manager, Central California Area Office; Acting Public Affairs Officer Shane Hunt; or Deputy Public Affairs Officer Louis Moore.

SAFETY: This is an active construction site. Participants must wear a hard hat, reflective vest and flat, closed-toe shoes. Some hard hats/vests will be available, but participants are asked to bring their own.

ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED: To attend, media must email their names and media outlet no later than 8 a.m. on Thursday, September 24, to both Janet Sierzputowski at jsierzputowski@usbr.gov and Jose Santana at jsantana@usbr.gov. Individuals who do not pre-register will not be granted access to the dam.

For questions, please contact Janet Sierzputowski at 916-978-5112 or jsierzputowski@usbr.gov.

# # #

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.