Bureau of Reclamation News: Reclamation to Host 42nd Annual Colorado High School Bridge Building Contest

Commissioner's Office
Washington, D.C.

Media Contact:

Peter Soeth
303-445-3615

Released On: February 17, 2009

Reclamation to Host 42nd Annual Colorado High School Bridge Building Contest

The Bureau of Reclamation will host the 42nd annual Colorado High School Bridge Building Contest on February 21. The contest, open to all public and private Colorado schools, is intended to encourage students to pursue careers in engineering.

Students will watch as a calibrated machine tests their bridge's efficiency to -- and beyond -- its capacity. Tours of Reclamation's Research Laboratory -- including scaled-down models of actual projects with running water -- will also be available. At the conclusion of the contest, Reclamation will demonstrate its 5-million pound press.

National Engineers Week is an annual event to bring to public attention the work and contributions of our nation's engineers. It was first established in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers. For more information on National Engineers Week, visit www.eweek.org.

What: 42nd Annual Colorado High School Bridge Building Competition

When: Saturday, February 21, 2009, 8:00 a.m. to Noon

Where: Denver Federal Center, Building 56 (Enter the Denver Federal Center at Gate 1.)

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.