News Release Archive

Modification of Lauro Dam to Begin

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, 11/03/2005 20:47

For Release: November 03, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation will begin construction later this month on Lauro Dam to enable it to better withstand the effects of any future earthquake. Lauro Dam and Reservoir are located in the foothills on the north edge of the City of Santa Barbara, east of San Roque Road, and north of Foothill Road.

The contractor, AJ Diani Construction Co., Inc., of Santa Maria, California, was awarded a $4 million construction contract on September 30, 2005. The contractor is expected to begin assembling equipment at the work site in late November. The modification features sand and gravel layers that will be installed within the downstream portion of the dam. These layers will prevent movement of the clay core materials during an earthquake as well as provide a means to collect and channel any seepage.

It will be necessary to import sand and gravel so there will be increased truck traffic on San Roque Road, north of Foothill Road, during some construction periods. The structural modification will require about 10 months to complete.

During the entire construction period, general public access across the downstream portion of Lauro Dam between Lauro Canyon and San Roque Roads (walking, jogging, hiking, horse back riding, mountain biking, dog walking, stroller walking, etc.) will be closed to the public.

Project neighbors can call 800-742-9474 and press "29" to get updated project information or to leave a voice message. All messages will be promptly answered.

A Frequently Asked Questions sheet and Fact Sheet for this project are available upon request. Please contact David Jones in Reclamation's Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5108, TDD 916-978-5608 for these materials and for any additional information about the project. More information is available on our website at www.usbr.gov/mp/sod.

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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.

Relevant Link:

Mid-Pacific Region Safety of Dams