News Release Archive

Ceremony Planned to Mark Elephant Butte Centennial

Media Advisory

Media Contact: Mary Carlson, 505-462-3576, mcarlson@usbr.gov

For Release: October 11, 2016

Elephant Butte, N.M. – The Bureau of Reclamation invites the media to attend a ceremony to celebrate the Centennial of Elephant Butte Dam, which was completed 100 years ago. Officials from Reclamation, the International Boundary and Water Commission, the State of New Mexico, New Mexico’s Congressional Delegation, the Elephant Butte Irrigation District and El Paso County Water Improvement District Number 1 will join us to mark the occasion.

Who: Bureau of Reclamation

What: Celebration of the Centennial of Elephant Butte Dam

When: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

Where: Bureau of Reclamation Elephant Butte Field Division, 4696 HWY 51, 4 miles east of Truth or Consequences on Highway 51. Follow the signs to the base of the dam.

Why: To celebrate the celebration of New Mexico’s largest dam turning 100. This will also be an opportunity for invited guests and media to tour the inside and top of the dam.

How: Contact Mary Carlson at (505) 462-3576 or mcarlson@usbr.gov to RSVP.

Background: The United States Congress authorized construction of Elephant Butte Dam in February 1905. The Bureau of Reclamation constructed Elephant Butte Dam between 1911 and 1916. This event will allow guests an opportunity to celebrate the dam that played an important part in the development of southern New Mexico and west Texas and supported a treaty between the United States and Mexico. The ceremony will be followed by an unveiling of the centennial plague and guided tours of the dam.

# # #

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.