Upper Colorado News & Highlights
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News Release – Feb. 12, 2026
MONTROSE, Colo. – For the first time since its completion in 1966, the Bureau of Reclamation is replacing all four original valves at Blue Mesa Dam, the largest of the three dams that make up the Aspinall Unit on the Gunnison River. This multi-year, $32 million federally funded project is a major milestone in ensuring the reliability and safety of one of Colorado’s most important water and power facilities. Read More »
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News Story – Feb. 10, 2026
The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project is one of the most ambitious and consequential rural water infrastructure efforts undertaken in the western United States in recent years, and this year, both the Regional Engineer of the Year and Regional Project Manager of the Year awards are being given to employees who work on this large-scale, complex project. Read More »
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News Release – Feb. 6, 2026
Kevin O’Shea named Reclamation’s 2026 Engineer of the YearDENVER, Colo. – Today, the Bureau of Reclamation recognized Kevin O’Shea as Reclamation’s 2026 Engineer of the Year in a ceremony streamed live to all Reclamation employees. Read More »
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News Release – Jan. 23, 2026
Caroline Ubing named Reclamation’s Project Manager of the YearWASHINGTON – Today, the Bureau of Reclamation held a ceremony in Washington, D.C., recognizing Caroline Ubing as Reclamation’s 2025 Project Manager of the Year. Read More »
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News Release – Jan. 9, 2026
WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Reclamation today released a draft Environmental Impact Statement evaluating a range of operational alternatives for managing of Colorado River reservoirs after 2026, when the current operating agreements expire. The draft EIS evaluates a broad range of potential operating strategies. It does not designate a preferred alternative, ensuring flexibility for a potential collective agreement. Read More »
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News Release – Jan. 8, 2026
DURANGO, COLO. –New Mexico Highway 511 over Navajo Dam, located about 45 miles east of Farmington, New Mexico, will be closed to two-way traffic Jan. 13 to May 20. Read More »
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News Release – Dec. 31, 2025
WASHINGTON COUNTY, UTAH – The Bureau of Reclamation and Bureau of Land Management, on behalf of the Department of the Interior, plan to develop a draft environmental assessment for the Washington County Central Reuse System, in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969. Prior to preparing the draft environmental assessment, Reclamation is conducting a public scoping period from Dec. 23, 2025 through Jan. 23. Reclamation is seeking input from agencies, Tribes, the public, and other interested parties. Read More »
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News Release – Nov. 7, 2025
FARMINGTON, N.M. ─ The Bureau of Reclamation announced today a nearly $62 million contract award to Ames Federal Contracting Group, LLC for the construction of the San Juan Lateral Pumping Plant No. 1 in northwest New Mexico. The plant is a critical component of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, which will pump water from the Project’s Frank Chee Willetto Reservoir to the San Juan Lateral Water Treatment Plant. Read More »
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News Release – Sept. 18, 2025
Water for the Future: Agreement Expands Supply to Meet Utah County’s GrowthProvo, Utah — In a landmark moment for the future of water in Utah County, federal, state, and local water leaders gathered today at the Bureau of Reclamation’s Provo Area Office to officially sign the Strawberry Valley Project 1920 Act Conversion Contract. The signing ceremony marks the formal launch of a long-anticipated plan to convert irrigation water from Strawberry Reservoir for municipal and industrial (M&I) use, including drinking water. Read More »
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News Release – Aug. 27, 2025
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, N.M. – The Bureau of Reclamation will resume releases from Elephant Butte Dam beginning Sept. 3, at a rate of up to 1,000 cubic feet per second (cfs). The releases will last for five to six days and recreationists and visitors to the area between Elephant Butte Dam and Caballo Reservoir are asked to use extreme caution when approaching the river as flows may change quickly and can be swift, with the potential to overcome even the strongest swimmers. Read More »
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News Release – Aug. 15, 2025
WASHINGTON — The Bureau of Reclamation released the August 2025 24-Month Study, reaffirming impacts of unprecedented drought in the Colorado River Basin and pressing the need for robust and forward-thinking guidelines for the future. The study provides an outlook on hydrologic conditions and projected operations for Colorado River reservoirs over the next two years and sets the 2026 operating conditions for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. Read More »
Historic Valve Replacement Underway at Blue Mesa Dam
Reclamation releases draft environmental review for post-2026 Colorado River operations
Navajo Dam lane closure
Public Scoping Period Underway for Washington County Central Reuse System
Water releases briefly resume from Elephant Butte Dam
Reclamation announces 2026 operating conditions for Lake Powell and Lake MeadExplore
