News Release Archive

Reclamation announces Kent Kofford as area manager for Provo Area Office

Media Contact: Marlon Duke, 385-228-4845, mduke@usbr.gov

For Release: April 22, 2020

Kent KoffordPROVO, Utah – The Bureau of Reclamation in Interior Region 7: Upper Colorado Basin announced Kent Kofford as area manager for the Provo Area Office. In his new position, Kofford will oversee 17 water projects throughout Utah, southwestern Wyoming and southeast Idaho.

“Kent brings an exceptional level of strong leadership and expertise in water resources management to this position, and I know he and his team will excel and continue to represent the best of Reclamation,” said Brent Esplin, Upper Colorado Basin regional director.

Kofford began his Reclamation career in 1990 as an inspector during the construction of Jordanelle Dam in Wasatch County, Utah. Later, as resident engineer, and because of his technical capability and leadership, Kofford played a key role in the ongoing construction of the Central Utah Project, the largest water resource development program undertaken in the state.

Kofford is known by his colleagues for bringing a sense of camaraderie to the workplace and his ability to build successful relationships with partners and stakeholders. He has worked with Reclamation’s facilities operations and maintenance partners on facility exams, dam safety and security programs, water operations and emergency management functions, environmental compliance, lands management, protection of water rights, recreation and title transfer efforts.

“I am extremely humbled to be selected for this position,” said Kofford. “I couldn’t be more honored at the opportunity to continue to work with the professionals in the Provo Area Office and our partners. I look forward to continuing the important work of delivering reliable water to the people of Utah.”

Kofford holds a Bachelor of Science degree in civil and environmental engineering from Utah State University and is a licensed civil engineer in the State of Utah. He was awarded the Department of the Interior Superior Service Award in 2011 and was also named Reclamation's Upper Colorado Region Engineer of the Year in 2009.

The Provo Area Office oversees water projects throughout Utah, southwestern Wyoming, and a small portion of southeast Idaho. The office is responsible for 17 water projects that include 27 major and 34 minor dams, 419 miles of canals, 613 miles of laterals, 57 miles of tunnels, 132 miles of pipelines, six powerplants, 14 pumping stations and 1,064,000 acres of acquired fee title, withdrawn, and easement lands.

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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.