Bureau of Reclamation

President Biden's Investing in America's Agenda, including the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, has had a substantial impact on 2024 spring and summer projects in the 17 Western states. Here's how Reclamation is distributing that funding to communities, Tribes, and water users. “And we’re not done yet!” #Reclamation

We are proud to announce that Deputy Commissioner David M. Palumbo has been honored with the 2024 Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service! Only one percent of the career Senior Executive Service, Senior-Level and Scientific and Professional corps are selected for the Distinguished Rank Award. The President selected 236 winners from 30 federal agencies for their exceptional leadership, accomplishments, and service over an extended period of time. Commissioner Camille Calimlim Touton praised David's unwavering commitment to collaboration and public service, stating, “His efforts have built trust and solidified Reclamation's role in addressing complex water resource challenges.” With over 20 years of federal service, David oversees thousands of Operations employees and manages critical water and power infrastructure, including 492 dams and 76 hydropower facilities that serve 40 million people across 17 Western states. His leadership has been pivotal in developing innovative solutions to combat drought and climate change, particularly in the Colorado River Basin. Notably, David has facilitated 86 Water Conservation Implementation Agreements, generating over 1.5 million acre-feet of conservation water by 2026. His strategic vision has revitalized our hydropower program, contributing 15% of the nation’s capacity. Through initiatives under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, David is ensuring reliable water supply and quality for rural communities. His dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion strengthens our mission and fosters lasting partnerships. Congratulations, David, on this well-deserved recognition! Your visionary leadership is paving the way for a sustainable future in water resource management. #Leadership #PublicService #WaterManagement #PresidentialRankAward

?? It’s #NCISRM! ?? Let’s recognize the critical role infrastructures, like Folsom Dam in CA, plays in our community. From flood control to water supply, these systems keep us safe and thriving. ?? #InfrastructureSecurity #FolsomDam

??♀? Exciting work in high-stakes environments! Reclamation’s rope access team took on the monumental task of inspecting nearly 10 acres—top to bottom—of the spillway at Grand Coulee Dam in Washington. The team comprises 11 employees from multiple regions who work in various disciplines. Together, they descended over 12,000 feet in five days. Their teamwork ensured that our critical infrastructure stays in top shape.

At 68 feet high, with a power generating capacity of 3,300 kilowatts, Boise River Diversion Dam is far from the largest Reclamation dam. However, its importance to the development of the Boise Valley has earned it a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. The dam was completed in 1908 and was key to the early development of Reclamation’s Boise Project, which involved the expansion of canal systems and the creation of Lake Lowell. A 1,500-kilowatt power plant was built into the existing structure in 1912 to provide power to the Arrowrock Dam construction site. Boise River Diversion Dam was not originally designed to house a power plant, leaving #engineers with the challenge of designing and building a power plant that fit within the existing structure that would also withstand the load originally carried by the dam. Engineers also utilized diversion tunnels from the dam’s construction as discharge tunnels for the generators. ??Reclamation photos

Kortes Dam is constructed in the 1,000-foot gorge of the Black Canyon on the North Platte River. The water level in Kortes Reservoir controls the tailwater elevation of Seminoe Power Plant. The dam is constructed at the optimum location to develop the most head between Seminoe tailwater and Pathfinder high water surface elevation. About 200 of the 300 feet available are used. The concrete gravity structure has a maximum height above the foundation rock of 244 feet and contains 147,000 cubic yards of concrete. The 83-acre Kortes Reservoir is confined to the narrow canyon and provides storage for only 4,700 acre-feet of water. Other principal features include a 50,000-cubic-foot-per-second uncontrolled spillway through the right abutment, a switchyard on the top of the dam, and transmission taplines to the canyon rim. #Reclamation

By working together through partnerships we can help support our communities. In FY 2023, Reclamation invested $40,000 to help our Tucson partnership acquire 50 new water cisterns. Each cistern can hold 1,500 gallons of rainwater, empowering low-income residents to harvest rainwater for their outdoor landscaping. This initiative aims to boost the planting of native vegetation, cooling down some of Tucson's hottest spots and providing vital habitat for local wildlife. ???? Learn more about this exciting program here: https://ow.ly/KQf850Ue3CE

Discover the beauty and history of Belle Fourche Dam and Reservoir! Located just eight miles east of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, this remarkable site not only provides essential water but also creates a vibrant habitat for wildlife and endless recreational opportunities. With approximately 8,000 acres of water surface, 6,700 acres of land, and 58 miles of stunning shoreline, Belle Fourche Reservoir is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts! Enjoy boating, fishing for walleye and catfish, ice skating, and camping in this beautiful setting. Completed in 1911, the Belle Fourche Dam was the largest earthen dam in the world at the time and is now a proud part of our National Register of Historic Places and Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks. Come experience the perfect blend of history and nature! #BelleFourcheDam #OutdoorAdventure #HistoricLandmarks #SouthDakota

Happy GIS Day 2024! Geographic information systems enable Reclamation environmental and social scientists and managers to collect, store, analyze, and visualize spatial data used to reveal relationships between representations of real-world phenomenon and communicate these trends in federal studies and decisions. Reclamation’s approximately 50 GIS professionals work every day to manage our enterprise and local spatial data, help subject matter experts do their jobs, and provide invaluable cartographic products and mapping applications to tell our story. #UnleashTheScience

?? Celebrating our heroes at Grand Coulee Dam! The Reclamation Employee Association proudly hosted a Veterans Day celebration that honored our dedicated veterans with inspiring stories from veteran speakers. The event was a reminder of the courage and dedication of all veterans. Let’s continue to support and learn from their stories! #VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #CPNRegion