News Release Archive

David Murillo to Manage Grand Coulee Power Office

Media Contact: Diana Cross, (208) 378-5020, 12/19/2005 17:14

For Release: December 19, 2005

The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that David G. Murillo of Yakima, Washington, would become the new power manager at Grand Coulee Dam.

"I'm very pleased that Dave has accepted this position," said Bill McDonald, Regional Director. "His strong technical background, proven track record of problem-solving and project management, and leadership skills make him ideally suited to be the Power Manager."

Murillo, 47, has served since 2000 as the manager for Reclamation's Yakima Field Office, where he supervised a staff of about 60 employees. In that capacity he was responsible for the operation and maintenance of storage reservoirs, fish facilities, diversion dams and hydropower plants. He worked collaboratively to address the needs of irrigators, power interests, and the Yakama Nation.

Murillo managed the Yakima Field Office through two of the most severe droughts on record in the Yakima River, earning the trust and respect of local irrigators, fisheries interests, and state water officials.

The power facilities at Grand Coulee Dam include 33 generators in three power plants and a pumping plant and three switchyards. The rated electrical capacity of Grand Coulee is 6,809,000 kilowatts, making it the largest hydroelectric dam in the United States. Grand Coulee provides water for approximately 600,000 acres in the Columbia Basin Project and generates 19 billion kilowatt hours of power annually.

Prior to joining Reclamation, Murillo worked for the Department of Energy in Hanford, Washington. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Washington State University in 1984. He and his family expect to relocate to the Grand Coulee area after the first of the year.

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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.