Reclamation’s Dam Safety Program evaluates existing dams for safety concerns and implements proactive solutions when needed

DENVER — The Bureau of Reclamation selected Peggy Mott, P.E., as the chief of dam safety. Mott will oversee Reclamation’s Dam Safety Program and is responsible for Reclamation’s high hazard potential dams. If these dams were to fail or were improperly operated could result in loss of life or significant economic loss. This oversight ensures Reclamation’s dams do not present an unreasonable risk to people, property or the environment.
Key for the success for Reclamation’s Dam Safety Program is leveraging relationships throughout Reclamation and with stakeholders. One close relationship the Dam Safety Office maintains is with the Asset Management Division, another office within the Dam Safety and Infrastructure Directorate.
“The Dam Safety and Infrastructure Directorate provides reliable stewardship and oversight of Reclamation’s diverse infrastructure portfolio. We effectively manage risk and maximize the value of Reclamation’s assets for our stakeholders and American public,” said Dam Safety and Infrastructure Director Miguel Rocha. “Peggy’s experience across multiple domains will be valuable as she takes on this important role leading the program and working with our local, regional, and national partners.”
Mott joined Reclamation 2019 in the Dam Safety Office as a program manager and supervisory civil engineer. Prior to joining Reclamation, Mott was a regional dam safety officer with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Prior to joining federal government, she worked with dams and dam safety with the Colorado Department of Natural Resources. She also served as the State Buildings Delegate for the capital construction and controlled maintenance program for the Colorado Department of Human Services. Mott began her career as a systems engineer for Lockheed-Martin.
Mott earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics from the Colorado School of Mines and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado. She is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Colorado.