Reclamation is a remarkable organization we have proved
over and over that we can get it done. We are unique,
talented group of water managers, an problem solvers.
As Commissioner, the past three years I have seen first hand the
men and women of reclamation continuing to live up to this
reputation. I am so proud that we did what we said we would do.
We have made water an power deliveries more reliable in the
face of droughts in the face of floods and COVID-19.
And it's all of you who made this happen. Be proud of all
you have done in collaboration with our partners across the
water and power community. Reclamation is so many
accomplishments that we couldn't get everything into
the video, so these are some highlights. Enjoy this, look
back, show it to your families. Be proud of your
service to the American West.
Investing in new and and improved modernized storage
means we can fulfill our water delivery mission when act
projects have allowed us to launch several initiatives to
expand water storage reclamation
wide. Using the newest science in real time operations, we
finalized new biological opinions for the Federal Central
Valley Project and State Water
Project. Reclamation continues to work with tribes to address
the needs of Indian country and implement water rights
settlements. We have collaborated with Native
American tribes to enhance water infrastructure and security,
including delivery of clean drinking water to the Navajo
Nation. Reclamations addition and or modernisation of
anadromous fish passage and habitat development. Outdoor
facilities have aligned with tribal goals and demonstrated
respect for native traditions.
Thanks to the work of reclamation men and women, there
are many developing and existing dam safety and infrastructure
projects that reinforce our commitment to water reliability.
This includes rebuild dams, working with stakeholders to
bring water to rural communities in southeastern Colorado to
repaired canals in California.
And upgraded hydropower
plants. At the heart of reclamations achievements are
its relationships with partners, are hats off to those who work
hard to maintain these vital
interactions? With the signing of this international treaty
known as Minute 323 water users in both the US and Mexico will
be able to continue to proactively plan or range of
water supply conditions based upon Lake Mead's elevation.
In May 2019, the 7 Colorado Basin states signed the drought
contingency plans atop Hoover Dam to reduce risk of reaching
critically low elevations at Lakes Powell and Mead. And
finally, we've cemented partnerships with water users by
streamlining the title transfer process. This will allow many
local districts greater autonomy and flexibility to manage their
facilities. Reclamation has always strived to improve in the
Denver office. The restoration of the chief engineer. Position
centralizes the direction of reclamations engineering and
scientific programs. Denver's Technical Service Center, which
celebrated its 25th year as a world class provider of science
and engineering services, was an engaged participant India Wise
Safeguarding the West Initiative, which aims to
prevent, contain an control, quagga and zebra mussels in
Western waters. The Information Resources Office not only
protects our IT networks and SCADA systems from external
threats, they have transitioned to an enterprise operational
structure to provide enhanced IT
services. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Iaro response
was immediate and focused standing up a virtual beachhead
through maximize Tele work and connectivity via teams and other
systems. This virtual workplace has held us together through
hours of online events and meetings, virtual outrage
through teams, connections ensure that smooth operations of
our facilities and offices
continued. Protect the pilot programs at our power plants
and facilities. Provided a unique safeguard for our
employees health and insured. Reliable delivery of water and
power to the nation.
Finally, reclamation has modernized its brand to carry
our values, ambitions, and strategic goals forward in
the coming years.
Reclamation has an extraordinary 118 year history of reliable
water and power delivery in the
West. I hope you've enjoyed this. Look back at our
accomplishments. It has been an incredible honor to be
commissioner and to work with you to make this happen.
I am confident the next 118 years will be equally successful
with all of your contributions.
Thank you.