[env-trinity] Interior Department Press Release

[Byron Leydecker]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: July 29, 2010
Contact: Joan Moody (202) 208-6416
Pete Lucero (916) 978-5100

 
Secretary Salazar Announces $14.6 Million of Economic Recovery Funding for
Delta-Mendota Canal/California Aqueduct Intertie Pumping Plant, Underground
Pipeline   
  

WASHINGTON, D.C.  - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today
that the Bureau of Reclamation's Mid-Pacific Region has awarded a $14.6
million contract under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
(ARRA) for construction of the Delta-Mendota Canal/California Aqueduct
Intertie Pumping Plant and Pipeline (Intertie).
 
"These stimulus funds will not only help the economy and provide jobs, but
also will contribute to the actions being taken   to help alleviate
California's water crisis," said Secretary Salazar.  "The Intertie adds
flexibility through the use of existing facilities while increasing the
reliability of water projects in California's Central Valley."
 
With this ARRA award, Reclamation is initiating the construction phase of
the project. The $14.6 million award was issued to Shimmick Construction of
Oakland, Calif. for building a pumping station and underground pipeline
connection, installing four pumps and motors and building an electrical
switchyard. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2010 and be completed
by early 2012.
 
When completed, the Intertie will connect the Delta-Mendota Canal (DMC) and
the California Aqueduct to relieve DMC conveyance limitations, allow for
maintenance and repair activities, and provide the flexibility to respond to
Central Valley Project and State Water Project emergency water operations.
The project was identified as a proposed action in the August 2000 CALFED
Bay-Delta Program Programmatic Record of Decision. The new facility will be
located between the DMC and California Aqueduct approximately five miles
west of the City of Tracy, California.  
 
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enacted in 2009 gave $3 billion
to the Department of the Interior.  
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 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 <http://www.recovery.gov/>  and on
www.interior.gov/recovery <http://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.
 
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. Visit
Reclamation's website at www.usbr.gov <http://www.usbr.gov/> .

 

Byron Leydecker, JcT

Chair, Friends of Trinity River

PO Box 2327

Mill Valley, CA 94942-2327

415 383 4810 land/fax

415 519 4810 mobile

bwl3 at comcast.net 

bleydecker at stanfordalumni.org 

http://www.fotr.org

 

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