News Release Archive

Reclamation to provide limited public access at Imperial Dam

Phil Swing Park planned to reopen in mid-November

Media Contact: Colleen Dwyer, 702-293-8420, cdwyer@usbr.gov
David Escobar (IID), 760-339-9747

For Release: November 01, 2017

Yuma, AZ – The Bureau of Reclamation’s Yuma Area Office plans to reopen Phil Swing Park near Imperial Dam on the Colorado River to the public on or before Monday, November 13, 2017. However, construction work to upgrade portions of Imperial Dam will continue until the end of the calendar year 2018. During this time, the dam will remain closed to the public for safety considerations.

In September 2014, Reclamation originally closed Phil Swing Park and other public locations near the dam for a projected two-year period to accommodate upgrades of the dam’s control house and electrical substation infrastructure. With the original construction of Imperial Dam completed in 1938, the systems required both repair and modernization. “As construction at the dam continues to involve the operation of heavy equipment and staging of construction materials, we will need to continue the closure of public access at Imperial Dam,” said David Escobar, Imperial Irrigation District’s (IID) Interim Superintendent for operations and maintenance. “Infrastructure improvements to the dam are extensive but are imperative for the continued efficient operations into the future of these important water delivery structures. While this inconveniences area residents and visitors, Reclamation and the IID are deeply committed to ensuring public safety throughout the remainder of construction.”

The IID, which operates and maintains the facility on behalf of Reclamation and other water district entities, oversees the infrastructure improvement projects at the site. Reclamation will continue to restrict access and maintain barricades and signage at the All-American Canal Headworks until project completion.

Imperial Dam, located approximately 18 miles northeast of Yuma, Arizona, serves as the primary diversion point for water flowing from the Colorado River to the All-American Canal, the Coachella Canal, the Yuma Main Canal and the Gila Gravity Main Canal. Imperial Dam, the All-American Canal and the Gila Gravity Main Canal’s headworks are operated and maintained by the IID. Phil Swing Park, located on the west side of the dam, provides camping, fishing, and boating opportunities along the Colorado River.

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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.