News Release Archive

Bureau of Reclamation Announces Recovery Act Award for the Purchase of Drought Relief Emergency Supplies for California

Media Contact: Pete Lucero, 916-978-5100, 01/15/2010 21:24

For Release: January 15, 2010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Bureau of Reclamation, an agency within the Department of the Interior, today awarded a $1,651,023 contract under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to fund emergency drought relief supplies for affected agricultural areas of California. 

The contract entails purchasing irrigation supplies from Western Oilfields Supply Company, Bakersfield, Calif. These supplies include pumps, valves, flow meters, piping and fittings, and others, to increase the flexibility of limited water supplies for helping maintain production of trees and vines.  When purchased, these items will be provided to the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority for distribution to water districts impacted by the drought.

"California's drought is having devastating economic effects due to lessened agricultural production and loss of farm-related jobs.  To help the people of California, Reclamation is funding emergency drought relief projects through the use of ARRA funds and under the Reclamation States Emergency Relief Act of 1991," Reclamation's Commissioner Michael Connor said.

The ARRA funds represent an important component of the President's plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century.  Under the ARRA, Interior is making an investment in conserving America's timeless treasures - our stunning natural landscapes, our monuments to liberty, the icons of our culture and heritage - while helping American families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, the needs of American Indians, employing youth and promoting community service.

"With its investments of Recovery Act funds, the Department of the Interior and its bureaus are putting people to work today to make improvements that will benefit the environment and the region for many years to come," Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said.

Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department's economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on www.recovery.gov and on www.interior.gov/recovery.

Secretary Salazar has appointed a Senior Advisor for Economic Recovery, Chris Henderson, and an Interior Economic Recovery Task Force to work closely with Interior's Inspector General and ensure the recovery program is meeting the high standards for accountability, responsibility, and transparency set by President Obama.

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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.