Media Contact: Trudy Harlow
(202) 513-0574

Released On: January 10, 2006

Statement by Reclamation Commissioner John Keys on Plans to Address National Academy of Science Report, "Managing Construction and Infrastructure in the 21st Century Bureau of Reclamation"

Reclamation's leadership has been evaluating the analyses and recommendations included in the National Academy's report since the first draft was received in late November. Now, Interior Deputy Secretary P. Lynn Scarlett has asked that an action plan be delivered to Secretary Gale Norton on how Reclamation will address the recommendations in the National Academy's report by February 28, 2006. We will meet that deadline. I am pleased to have the Department's interest and support in this process.

The Academy report underscores the value of the President's Management Agenda and Secretary Norton's 4 C's approach  conservation through cooperation, communication, and consultation  in helping guide Reclamation in meeting future challenges. The plan that we will develop will include ample opportunity for substantial participation and input by our customers, our employees, the Congress, and other external stakeholders.

I take this report extremely seriously. Reclamation participated fully in the Academy's research, and I am grateful to the many customers, stakeholders and employees who generously took the time to contribute.

The Reclamation Leadership Team and I are excited to have the opportunity to shape the Bureau of Reclamation's organization and business practices to effectively meet the mission challenges, as well as the needs and expectations of our customers and stakeholders, in the 21st Century.

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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.