The Bureau of Reclamation will receive $4.4 million for clean-up, remediation, and other transition activities at Lake Berryessa, as part of the stimulus plan announced by the Secretary of the Interior under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Reclamation will also receive $1.5 million to ensure Government-operated facilities at Lake Berryessa comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These funds are an important part of the Presidents plan to jumpstart the economy, create or save jobs, and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st Century.

In development of the stimulus package, priority was given to funding relatively large projects which would create lasting value for the public. This funding will create opportunities for local jobs and promote economic recovery at Lake Berryessa and surrounding communities. Reclamation will use both contractors and direct hiring of temporary staff to accelerate progress of the on-going cleanup and remediation efforts at several closed concession areas. These areas are currently encumbered by considerable trash, debris, and property from previous operations.

Timely completion of cleanup efforts is essential to enable new concession contractors to restore recreation services as soon as possible upon award of new contracts prior to the 2010 season. In the meantime, Reclamation continues to work with existing contractors at Pleasure Cove, Markley Cove, and Steele Park concession areas to provide services at those facilities during 2009. All Government-operated facilities will remain open throughout 2009.

Operated by Reclamation's Central California Area Office, Lake Berryessa is visited by 1.5 million people annually. For additional information, please visit http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/berryessa/index.html.

For information, please contact the Public Affairs Office at 916-978-5100 or e-mail ibr2mprpao@mp.usbr.gov.