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BUREAU OF RECLAMATION TO CLOSE FOLSOM DAM ROAD FOLLOWING SECURITY REVIEW

Reclamation will continue to consult with local community

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, JMCCRACKEN@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: February 20, 2003

The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that, as part of an effort to ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure nationwide, Folsom Dam Road will be closed to all traffic 24 hours, 7 days a week beginning Friday, February 28 at 8 p.m. and lasting for an indefinite period of time.

The closure comes following an in-depth security assessment of the facility and a full-scale evaluation by Reclamation, Department of the Interior, and the Defense Department’s Defense Threat Reduction Agency officials of the potential vulnerabilities of the dam and reservoir. Information produced as a result of the reviews is considered classified. Additional security measures include eliminating motorized access to all reservoir dikes.

"The mission of Folsom Dam is to provide flood control and power and water to California. It is our responsibility to ensure that the dam continues to protect the lives and property of the citizens of the Sacramento area," said John Keys, Commissioner of Reclamation. "While it has become essential to close the roadway that runs over the top of Folsom Dam, we are continuing to consult with congressional representatives, local officials and citizens about the impacts of this decision," Keys added.

Folsom Dam, an integral feature of the Federal Central Valley Project, was constructed in the 1950's. The narrow, two-lane road built on top of the dam was intended to serve as an access road for maintenance and for incidental recreational access to the lake. In ensuing years, as the population of Placer and El Dorado counties has grown, the road over the dam has become a major transportation artery. Over the last 20 years, traffic on the road has grown to some 18,000 cars a day and has created heightened security risks for the facility. Note: Folsom Dam Road will be closed during the hours of 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Monday, February 24 - Friday, February 28. This closure is for installation of a Temperature Control Device on the dam. On February 28, the road will open for the evening commute and then close at 8 p.m. per the decision announced above. 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.

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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.