Washington, D.C. – Senate Energy & Natural Resources Chairman Pete V. Domenici today voiced his intention to monitor the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s goal of changing management and organizational practices in response to recent National Research Council (NRC) recommendations.

At today’s 10:00 a.m. full committee hearing, the Committee on Energy & Natural Resources received testimony on the NRC report, Managing Construction and Infrastructure in the 21st Century Bureau of Reclamation and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s report, Managing for Excellence: An Action Plan for the 21st Century.

Reclamation’s mission has changed significantly over the past 30 years. A combination of factors has transformed Reclamation from an agency that constructs large water and power projects to one that manages existing facilities and operates them according to applicable law. As a result of this shift, Reclamation has compiled the Managing for Excellence Action Plan that listed overhaul details, which will move them towards efficient operations and maintenance activities, increased outsourcing to the private sector, and a workforce that reflects its new responsibilities.

"The NRC report provides a good overview of what changes will be required of Reclamation over the coming years. However, the NRC report and Reclamation’s Action Plan are the beginning of a long process. There are serious challenges facing Reclamation that require a long, hard look, such as aging infrastructure and a growing population in the West. I fully intend to hold additional hearings to monitor Reclamation’s implementation of the findings of the NRC report and Reclamation’s Action Plan. I take the NRC report seriously and I expect Reclamation to take it seriously as well. I hope we can continue to move forward and work with Reclamation so it can remain a viable organization in a changing environment."

Several of the Bureau’s accomplishments during the 21st Century include the construction of Hoover Dam, Glen Canyon Dam and Grand Coulee Dam. Reclamation facilities have contributed significantly to providing the water and power necessary to populate the Western United States and the development of its agricultural economy. Reclamation facilities currently provide water to over 30 million people, ten million acres of farmland and provide 40 billion kilowatt hours of electricity annually, enough electricity to power 6 million homes.