The first and only failure of a cropland. Although most of the Reclamation dam with loss of endangered cropland was un­ life, destruction of property, and damaged or untouched by the disruption to the thousands of flood itself, the crops were in victims weighs heavily upon the danger of burning up due to Reclamation program and all widespread destruction of ca­ those associated with it. nals, diversion from the river, But if the character of organi­ pumping plants, and the like. zations, like people, can best be Thanks to a remarkable effort by judged by their actions in a time engineers and a support staff of crisis, the Bureau of Reclama­ recruited from throughout Rec­ tion and its employees deserve lamation-and outstanding co­ the highest praise for their re­ operation and prompt action by sponse to the Teton Dam dis­ numerous organizations and aster. individuals-we were able to This edition of the Reclamation restore service to practically the Era is dedicated to telling the entire acreage within a few story of how the Bureau of weeks. Reel amation reacted to this In July, following authorization tragic event. by the Congress to pay for direct In the wake of the dam failure, damages from the flood, people one of the immediate problems from throughout the Bureau facing the Bureau was the again responded as a team to restoration of irrigation service set up the unusual and difficult to some 427,000 acres of good

1

by Gilbert G. Stamm Commissioner of Reclamation claims program, which is con­ other by a group of professionals tinuing. representing various Govern­ Special credit and apprecia­ ment agencies. Final reports tion is due also to the other from these two investigations are Federal, State, and local agen­ not expected before the end of cies mentioned in the stories that the year 1976. follow which assisted in the dis­ The Bureau is eager to find the aster relief operation, and espe­ reason for this tragedy, and to cially to the Mormon Church, that end we are cooperating fully which conducted a well-orga­ with all investigative groups in a nized humanitarian effort to aid thorough analysis of the facts. flood victims. We hope that a cause can be We do not yet know why the pinpointed so the engineering dam failed. The cause of the community, and the people it failure is the object of two major serves all over the world, can investigations-one by an inde­ pendent panel of distinguished engineers and a geologist from outside the Government, and the

2 benefit from this unhappy expe­ of I ife can be traced directly to rience and take steps to prevent the development, conservation, it from ever happening again. regulation, and management of In the introspection following its limited water supplies for the Teton, we must not lose sight of benefit of people. all that the Reclamation program The failure of Teton Dam was has done for the people of the a tragedy unprecedented in the West and of the Nation through­ history of Reclamation. Yet it out its 74-year history. would be an even greater During those years Reclama­ tragedy, in my opinion, if those tion has earned a worldwide who have traditionally opposed reputation for engineering skill water resource development in the planning, design, and programs should succeed in construction of dams and a using the Teton disaster as a · multitude of associated water political weapon to stop all fur­ structures. Much of the West's ther development. Such an ex­ economic vitality and its quality ploitation of the Teton disaster would, if successful, deny the proven benefits of water re­ source development to millions of people for generations to come. ma

3 It was a beautiful, sunny Sat­ After taking a quick shower near the toe of the right abut­ urday morning-the 5th of June and changing my clothes, I drove ment, something not too unusual 1976. The agenda for the Wade the 9 miles to the Federal Build­ during the first fill of a reservoir. household, near Boise, was a ing and U.S. Courthouse in Steve went to get the water full day of yard work. But it was downtown Boise. My 15-year-old to make a pot of coffee. to be shattered by events taking son, Steve, had talked his way Within a few minutes we re­ shape some 300 miles to the into accompanying me to the ceived another call from Teton east, along the Teton River near office. His "pitch" was that he Project Engineer Robert Robi­ the Idaho-Wyoming border. would be able to make a pot of son. The situation had worsened. The first call came at approxi­ coffee and otherwise help us. It was a few minutes after 11 mately 9:30 a.m. from Glenn My snap judgment was that we o'clock and Robbie reported, Barker of the Bureau's regional might be at the office for several "We have a small hole opening office, Power Division, who hours answering media inquiries, about two-thirds up on the fill wears a second hat as regional and Steve could be of help to us. near the right abutment and a facilities security officer. He We arrived at about 10:45 a.m. whirlpool has developed on the called to say, "We have a prob­ On board were Stivers, decked reservoir side." lem at the Teton Dam. Thought out in his golfing shorts; Barker; My first question to Robbie you ought to know in case you and Brent Carter, our regional was, "Have the news media and begin to get some media geologist. I was quickly filled in the local authorities been noti­ inquiries." on the situation. Teton Dam had fied of the problem?" He assured About 30 minutes later the tele­ a leak in the rock canyon wall us they had. phone rang again. Assistant It was obvious we weren't go­ Regional Director Harry Stivers ing to be much help to him 300 was calling. The Teton situation miles away, so we asked if he had deteriorated. I told Harry I needed us there. He said, "Yes, would meet him at the office as I think I can use some help soon as I could get cleaned up. answering media inquiries."

Stephen G. Wade is Regional 4 Public Affairs Officer for the Bureau's Pacific Northwest Region, Boise, Idaho. The Fi The Wilford Canal inlet dike in Teton River D by Stephen G. Wade The conversation with Robbie were only a few minutes beyond Within minutes we could see was short and to the point. We Idaho Falls when I sensed there it-a gaping hole in the 307­ had no sooner hung up the was something wrong. As I foot-high Teton Dam with water phone when Stivers was calling looked toward Rexburg and pouring from the partially Bill Ryder, one of two pilots for Sugar City, there appeared to be emptied reservoir as from a the region's Aero Commander. an area of sand dunes with trees giant pitcher. It was approxi­ Take-off time to Idaho Falls was growing out of them. I said to mately 2 p.m. There was stunned set for 1 p.m. Bill, " Is that water?" silence aboard Commander That allowed us time to get Bill replied, "It sure is." We N618. home and throw a few clothes realized the worst had happened. By this time, flying in the area in a suitcase before meeting at I turned to alert the others. had become treacherous. Light the airport. Stivers was taking a catnap. aircraft were flying in all direc­ Steve unplugged the coffeepot, Barker and Carter were enjoying tions, and Ryder and I were still cold, and we were off for the otherwise uneventful ride. I spending our full time spotting home. There I received the first media inquiry-from the Asso­ ciated Press. Bureau Chief Bob Leewright was calling about "a problem at Teton." I told him what we knew about it and our assessment of the current situa­ tion. I told Leewright we were on our way to Teton and would report back to him later that afternoon. I kissed my wife and boys goodby at the airport and climbed into the right pi lot's seat of Commander N618. As we approached the Idaho 5 Falls area, we decided to swing up around Teton Dam to see tapped Stiver's knee and he Below Teton Dam what we could from the air. We received what was probably the most startling arousing of his whole life. As he opened his eyes he could see the small town of Sugar City and its sur­ rounding farmlands-flooded. Teton Dam nearing completion, September 26, 1975

and avoiding them. We stayed In a few minutes we were on It was an eerie feeling travel­ above most of the traffic, about the ground at Fanning Field in ing north on U.S. Highway Idaho Falls arranging for a rental 6 8,000 feet above ground. 20/191. What traffic there was car. We made contact by tele­ was headed south. Checkpoints, phone and radio relay with stationed every few miles, were ''We have a problem Robbie Robison through our manned by State and local Palisades Project-on the South authorities. Our picture ID's, al the Teton Dam.'' Fork of the Snake about 50 miles identifying us as employees of south and slightly east of the Bureau of Reclamation, con­ The current of the water Teton-and made arrangements vinced the officers that we had dumped out of the reservoir, to meet him in Rexburg. Robbie's business in the area. They boiled down the canyon, and home, like so many others in the admonished, "You travel at your fanned out into the valley. My area, was inundated. own risk." Just after we crossed overriding thought during the the South Fork of the Snake rest of the trip and for many River we cut east on a secondary hours to come was-did the road toward the Rexburg Bench, people get out? At that time an area that overlooks that part Rexburg, about 15 miles to the of the Upper Snake River Valley. southwest, was just beginning By the time we approached to take the first wave of water. Rexburg, the traffic jam was unbelievable. People from Rex­ burg, Sugar City, and the sur­ rounding areas were seeking refuge on the higher ground. They were bringing with them anything they could drive or carry out. Teton Dam following rupture, June 6, 1975

Luckily, as the water fanned The community of Wilford was Rexburg, the largest town at out for some 8 miles across the the first area hit after the water the immediate flood area, lies valley, its progress slowed down left the canyon. It was obliterated almost directly on the south 7 to 8-1 O miles per hour. This gave with nothing left but house fork. Virtually every business in people time to rescue some of foundations and remnants of the town of some 10,000 was their material goods. Trucks, buildings. Len Isaacson of the badly damaged, as were homes tractors, combines, and campers Teton Project staff, along with and everything else in the part were scattered all over the Rex­ his wife and family, lived in a of Rexburg which lies on the burg Bench area. Cars, pickups, mobile home in the Wilford area. floor of the valley. Luckily, one They have never found a trace of the newer parts of town, along of their home. with Ricks College, was located There was stunned The small towns of Teton and on high ground which escaped Newdale were on high enough the ravages of the water. The silence aboard Com­ ground to be spared from the water, already heavily laden with mander N618. rampaging water, as was St. debris, swept past a sawmill on Anthony to the north. the outskirts of Rexburg, picking and campers were filled with the The Teton River, after it leaves up huge logs which became few items of clothing, pictures, the canyon, divides into a north gigantic battering-rams, smash­ souvenirs, and other items the and south fork for its remaining ing foundations of homes and residents could quickly pick up course to Henrys Fork of the anything else in their path. The and carry. Along the dusty roads Snake River. Sugar City is one thing that stands out in my were families standing or sitting located almost directly between memory of this flood is the the two forks of the Teton and next to th~ir cars. Children, tremendous destruction doled hungry and crying, looked with thus sustained a brutal head.. on out by the combination of a fast disbelief as the water traversed attack by the water and debris. current and every conceivable its way toward Henrys Fork of kind of debris. the Snake River. We met Robison in Rexburg and spent approximately 2 hours at the Army Reserve Center on the Rexburg Hill near Ricks College, where emergency head­ quarters had been set up since the National Guard Armory near the river was inundated. We helped relay a call, via Robison's radio-equipped car, for assistance from the Boise

"Is that wafer?" lnteragency Fire Center for a fire-retardant drop. There was a raging fire in a building in the center of Rexburg and officials wanted to get it put out before it spread. Floodwaters prevented firefighters from reaching it with ground equipment. We were able to reserve four rooms in an Idaho Falls motel­ chosen largely because it sat on t\igher ground not threatened by A Sugar City home Rexburg the flood that was eventually to Understandably, the Teton News media representatives 9 hit that city. The motel became Dam failure and its aftermath from all over the country were my home for the next 2 months. was immediately a national news visiting Idaho Falls and were We checked in and began to story. Our first objective was, calling for information. There contact our people at the and continues to be, to make were many aspects to the story, project, regional, and Washing­ sure all of the circumstances including the failure itself, emer­ ton levels. We also notified the surrounding the Teton Dam gency search and rescue activi­ news media and other agencies failure be made fully available ties, gearing up for the long of our location. Stivers and I had to the public through the news road to recovery, and the many connecting rooms. Barker and media. Our big problem at that facets of human experience Carter were just down the hall. point was that we just didn't associated with the flood. There began that evening the have any information to even Robbie Robison, alone, granted most intensive week of calling suggest what might have hap­ several dozen personal inter­ and being called, of assisting pened. Prior to June 5, Teton views to newspapers, wire ser­ the news media people in get­ Dam was a little-known project vices, magazines, radio and TV ting their story, and otherwise to people outside of Idaho. stations, and others. For a trying to be of help that I haV€ Of course, by now the news period he was tied up virtually ever experienced. We had media wanted to know every­ full time with news media inter­ modest facilities. Two phones thing there was to know about views and inquiries. He was and a portable radio were our the project. being called at all hours of the links to the project and the out­ day and night. Our philosophy side world. By Tuesday, I noticed was to go the "extra mile or my left wrist was becoming very extra 10 miles" to help the sore. The only explanation I media get their story. Our flies have-was that I had been using on the Teton Project, from its my left hand to pick up the inception to the eresent, have phone. been and are now open. Most Throughout the recovery For the next several weeks media representatives were period there was continual many activities filled our 12- to courteous and understanding. praise for the high degree of 14-hou r days. It was, perhaps, A few were not. Federal-State cooperation dur­ one of the greatest concentra­ The first of a long procession ing the Teton disaster. Local tions of answering media in­ of Federal and State officials organizations and volunteer quiries, arranging for interviews arrived the day following the groups both from within the and material, setting up news break, on June 6. Assistant Sec­ area and from the outside played conferences, making advance retary Jack 0. Horton, and Com­ major roles in the recovery. arrangements, and accompany­ missioner of Reclamation Gilbert During the first 2 or 3 weeks ing investigative committees and G. Stamm were a welcome sight of the postflood period, daily governmental officials from to those of us who were trying meetings chaired by FDAA and many branches of government to satisfy an unending demand the State of Idaho were con­ that a one-man public affairs for information. They brought ducted to assure a coordinated operation has ever attempted. with them some of the Bureau's approach to the recovery. Con­ The Teton Dam failure will top technical experts. After an currently, public information offi­ undoubtedly be the most thor­ onsite inspection and a thorough cers of the various agencies oughly investigated happening of briefing from project personnel, represented held a coordinating its type in recent history. In one Assistant Secretary Horton and session each morning. of the many Federal-State coop­ Commissioner Stamm held the erative undertakings, the Secre­ first of many official news con­ tary of the Interior and the ferences. Prior to June 5, Teton Governor of Idaho jointly ap­ The flood area of the Upper Dam was a little­ pointed an independent investi­ Snake River Valley-Bingham, gating panel made up of some Bonneville, Fremont, Madison, knownprojecttopeo­ of the world's most renowned and Jefferson Counties-was dam experts. declared a disaster area by the ple outside ol /claho. The U.S. Department of the President. Within a few days the Interior Teton Dam Failure Re­ Federal Disaster Assistance One of the biggest problems view Group, with _some of the 10 Administration (FDAA), in coop­ of information dissemination Federal Government's top dam eration with the State of Idaho, was rumor suppression. For building experts from the Corps had set up an office in Idaho example, at one point the "rumor of Engineers, Tennessee Valley Falls to coordinate recovery mill" reported that we were Authority, Soil Conservation efforts. about to open up the spillway Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Assistant Secretary Horton, gates of Palisades Dam to their and the Bureau of Reclamation Regional Director Rod Vissia, full capacity because the reser­ is investigating the failure. These and others spent several hours voir was full. The facts were groups, plus several Senators with Idaho Governor Cecil D. that the Bureau of Reclamation and Congressmen, visited the Andrus and his staff in laying river operators were on or area during the first few weeks the groundwork for the com­ slighlty below their flood control following the break. While each bined Federal-State emergency parameters and the prospects group handled its own media recovery efforts. General James were very good that no addi­ arrangements, we worked closely S. Brooks, Idaho Adjutant Gen­ tional increase in outflows would with them on logistics and over­ eral, was designated the Gover­ be needed (which is what ulti­ all press arrangements. nor's representative in the flood mately happened). We sup­ area and William Mayer, Re­ pressed this rumor by quickly gional Director for FDAA, and issuing a news release explain­ the FDAA Assistant Di rector, ing the reservoir storage and Hugh Fowler, headed coordina­ riverflow information. We care­ tion of Federal agencies. fully monitored the situation throughout the remainder of the emergency period and issued information as warranted. Our first concern in the hours right alter the llooclwas for pro­ tection of lives ancl properly.

11 ,,,.:;.:1.--:-, If' 1' 1

Ricks College in Rexburg became a temporary home for flood victims.

12 We used helicopters, which miraculous considering the mix Bureau of Reclamation Mini­ were the only viable means of of helicopters and fixed-wing doka Project employees, under continuous transportation dur­ aircraft and the emergency situ­ the direction of Project Manager ing the first few weeks. Of great ation under which they were Carlos Randolph, cut back the assistance were the many pilots, flying. outflow of Palisades Reservoir including our own Bureau of Once the floodwaters reached and Island Park Reservoir on the Reclamation helicopter crews Henrys Fork, and then came Henrys Fork almost immediately recruited from other regions, and within a mile or so of the main after Teton Dam had failed. That Bureau of Land Management stem of the Snake River, it quick action alleviated an even helicopter pilots from the Boise became a more conventional higher crest in the stretch of the lnteragency Fire Center. There flood, although still extremely river from Rexburg to American were no serious aircraft inci­ destructive. The crest at Idaho Falls. As it was, Snake River dents. That in itself is almost Falls arrived about 8:30 on flows at Idaho Falls on Sunday Sunday morning. The outstand­ were the second highest on ing effort of the Idaho Falls record. American Falls Reservoir The outstanding ef­ officials and volunteers water level, which had been minimized the damage to their lowered in anticipation of the fort ofIdaho Falls of­ city. As the water continued increased inflow, raised to about down the Snake River, the towns the level that the Bureau of ficials and volunteers of Robert, Shelly, and Blackfoot Reclamation's river forecaster minimized the dam­ were especially hard-hit. predicted. The flood was con­ tained there and there was no age to their city. floodwater damage below Ameri­ can Falls Dam. The remains of Teton Dam

Our first concern in the hours About 10 days after the flood, of the Teton Project, extending 13 right after the flood was for pro­ President Ford proposed that into almost every aspect of how tection of lives and property. As the Congress make available the Bureau of Reclamation goes the immediate crisis ebbed, our $200 million to begin restitution effoyts were concentrated on for flood damages. That proposal recovery. One of the first mission became a part of the 1976 Public President Fore/ pro­ assignments by the FDAA was Works Appropriation Act which to the Bureau of Reclamation was signed into law by the Presi­ posed that Congress for restoration of irrigation facili­ dent on July 12. (See article, ties to the more than 400,000 "The First Months-Rebuilding make available$200 acres affected by loss of irriga­ Lives," on page 20.) million to begin resti­ tion water. (See article "The First By the first week in July, the Weeks-Saving Crops" on page Bureau's emphasis was shifting tution. 14.) from canal restoration to admin­ istration of a massive claims about its job as assigned by program to indemnify those who the Congress. had suffered damage as a direct Since the failure of Teton Dam result of the Teton Dam failure. we have attempted to do every­ Throughout this period, and con­ thing possible to keep the Ameri­ tinuing into the present, we have can people informed about what received a continuing media and happened, while at the same public inquiry into every aspect time have helped local residents start their long road to recovery. ma Disaster Assistance Administra­ tion assigned the task of restor­ Saving ing irrigation facilities to the Bureau of Reclamation. Within 2 days after the disas­ Crops ter, Teton Dam Project officials had assigned onsite contractors by Don D. Fillis to areas within the flood zone to When Teton Dam failed, the begin restoring the damaged rampaging waters released canals. One day later, Bureau of caused severe damage to irriga­ Reclamation personnel were tion facilities along the Teton detailed into the area to take and Snake Rivers from the dam­ over the task of restoration and site to American Falls Reservoir an office was established in -a distance of 70 miles. nearby Idaho Falls. Immediately, In its wake 65 different canal emergency provisions were systems were damaged leaving developed to expedite contract­ 427,000 acres of rich cropland ing procedures and special without irrigation water. On authorizations granted to pro­ June 6, President Gerald R. Ford vide rapid payment to contrac­ declared the five counties tors. affected by the flood a "disaster area." Immediately the Federal Sixty-live different canal systems were Don D. Fillis is the project construction engineer on the damaged. Chief Joseph Dam Project in Washington. He was detailed to Idaho Falls, Idaho, to coordinate Teams consisting of Bureau of 4 the irrigation rehabilitation Reclamation and Idaho State program. Department of Water Resources personnel surveyed the canal systems to estimate the amount of damage and to provide the information necessary to plan and coordinate reconstruction. Bureau of Reclamation helicop­ ters from Casper, Wyo., Mon­ trose, Colo., and Phoenix, Ariz., provided important reconnais­ sance to expedite the surveys and coordination. More than 250 From the data gathered by the Within 10 days after the hours were logged by the pilots damage survey teams, a priority disaster, 75 percent of the during this period. list was established and contrac­ 427,000 acres had water supply The damage was extensive. tors were scheduled to begin restored. By June 23, this figure Huge sections of canals were restoring each system. Again had risen to 90 percent and by washed away; headworks struc­ the helicopter proved to be an July 5, 98 percent of the crop­ tures and diversion dams were invaluable mode of travel. It land had its water service completely or partially destroyed; helped us maintain daily survey­ returned. During this period siphons crossing the Teton River ing of the entire area to head off more than 90 contracts were were completely obliterated; trouble spots and to provide a awarded to 22 different contrac- canals were filled with silt, sand, base for directing all operations. and gravel; river channels Contractors from as far away Trees, cleacl livestock, previously deep and unob­ as Pennsylvania offered their I structed were now relocated services. Lists were made tabu­ cars, even housetrail­ or blocked with sandbars, but lati~g available contractors and the most overwhelming condition ers woulcl require re­ that existed was the tremendous amount of debris that had been moval before service deposited in the canals. Every­ thing-trees, dead livestock, coulcl be restored. cars, even housetrailers-would require removal before service tors and approximately 2.5 could be restored. million dollars were expended. Of the work accomplished, 40 percent is considered temporary and will require permanent con­ struction after the irrigation season. In addition, six small canal systems that were de­ stroyed immediately down stream of the dam will be re­ 15 constructed this fall.

equipment to assist in the work. Contractors assigned to the reconstruction were working in excess of 12 hours per day to speed up completion of the work. All types of construction equip­ ment were used and suppliers of equipment for three temporary pumping plants expedited deliv­ eries to meet deadlines. Debris creates a tragic pattern along an d In canals.

16 Temporary pumping plant Clean up of the South Wilford Canal Newly constructed reach for the Enterprise Canal of the South Branch of the Fall River Canal A contractor works east of Sugar City to clean and restore irrigation canals. 17 18

Construction nears completion •

The office that had been contractors and unions under established in Idaho Falls to " Operation Bulldozer," officials coordinate restoration of the of canal companies, and the irrigation facilities closed on Within I0 clays alter landowners contributed greatly August 6 when all activities were to its success. However, the transferred to the project office. the clisasfer, 75 per­ overall achievement of the During its existence, 46 Bureau Bureau in its effort to restore the employees were assigned for cent of the 427,000 damage must be attributed to varying lengths of time. They the 46 individuals who performed came from all regions of the acres hoc/ wafer sup­ so admirably during very difficult Bureau, Washington, D.C., and times. The employees who the Engineering and Research ply resforecl. worked 12 to 16 hours daily for Center in Denver. weeks while living away from The entire emergency opera­ homes and families, dedicated tion took a tremendous effort. themselves to the work at hand. The cooperation and assistance To these individuals we owe our received from the Idaho State thanks. ea Department of Water Resources, Quiz

Water Quiz 1. About 95,000 cubic miles * of water goes into the air annually. How much of this water rises from the ocean? How much is drawn from the land, evaporated off lakes, streams and moist soil, and transpired from the leaf sur­ faces of living plants? 2. What term is used to identify underground zones or layers that are relatively good sources of water? 19 3. The average man has approxi­ mately 50 quarts (about 100 lbs.) of water in his body and everyday he must replace about 2112 quarts of it, true or false? 4. What is the method by which surface water is soaked into the ground through tiny openings in the soil? 5. Many lakes die of an excess of sediment. Sand and gravel settle on the bottom, slowly turning the lake into a mud flat or swamp, and finally filling the lake entirely, true or false?

* 3,379,000 acre feet equal 1 cubic mile.

Answers to Water Quiz on page 32. TheFirst Months· ~~~~~Uves "It is the intent of the Presi­ It is expected that by the time dent and the Congress to provide the program ends in July 1978, payment to the victims of the the Bureau will have paid an tragic flood as soon as possible, estimated 7,000 separate claims, so they may rebuild their lives totaling about $400 million, for and communities." damages to property, personal 20 These introductory words to injury, and loss of life resulting the rules and regulations pub­ from the dam's collapse on lished in the Federal Register of June 5. July 14, 1976, marked the formal beginning of one of the most The Teton Dam Floocl extraordinary operations in the 74-year history of the Bureau of Claims Program was Reclamation. The operation is the Teton Dam Flood Claims set up to make resti­ Program, set up to make restitu­ tion to victims of the Teton Dam tution to victims ofthe failure in southeastern Idaho. Teton Dam failure. Paul Winegar is a public infor­ mation specialist for the Bureau But beyond the statistics lies of Reclamation, Washington, D.C. the broader story of a remark­ He was detailed to Idaho to able self-help spirit within the assist with the claims operation. flood-stricken communities, of unprecedented cooperation among Federal, State, and local government agencies, and of a "can do" attitude by the team of Reclamation employees assem­ bled to set up and operate the claims program. The claims program was born While victims and disaster tragedy? If not, what could be in the first few hectic days fol­ workers were concerning them­ done to help the victims beyond lowing the dam break, which selves with emergency measures, the regular Federal disaster sent an estimated 80 billion a number of broad questions relief efforts? gallons of water roaring down were being addressed by Fed­ Gail Achterman, an attorney on the cities and farms of Idaho's eral officials in Washington. Was with the Department of the In­ 21 Upper Snake River Valley. the Government liable for the terior's Solicitor's office in Washington, said legal experts, including Justice Department attorneys, researched the liabil­ ity issue and ruled that the Federal Government was not liable for the flood. "However, it was clear from the Administration's standpoint It was clear from the Administration's standpoint that we had a moral respon­ sibility.

that we had a moral responsi­ bility we wanted to pay off," Achterman said. Ray Chatham, a loss verifier for Reclamation, is discussing the damage suffered by LaVell Hirschi. He lost 19 of his 36 cows, and his home and farm buildings were destroyed.

Secretary of the Interior the Idaho congressional delega­ "The regulations were ex­ 22 Thomas S. Kleppe was called tion allowing full restitution to tremely difficult to write," recalls to the White House, where Pres­ Teton victims). Achterman. One of the few pre­ ident Ford urged him to explore While waiting for the passage cedents for such a large scale ways of assisting the flood of the appropriations bill and claims program was a 1947 victims. the President's signature, a disaster in Texas City, Tex., Within a week of the dam team of experts from several when two ships loaded with failure. a decision was made to Federal agencies, including the chemical fertilizer blew up in request a special $200 million Office of Management and Bud­ the harbor, killing hundreds of appropriation as an initial pay­ get, Interior Solicitor's Office, persons and causing millions of ment for damages arising from Justice Department, Bureau of dollars in damages. The ferti­ the Teton flood, without assign­ Reclamation, and Federal Disas­ lizer was destined for France as ing responsibility for the disaster. ter Assistance Administration, part of the Federal Government's foreign aid program, and al­ The special appropriation was met to draft rules and regulations though the Supreme Court ruled attached to the annual Public implementing the claims program. that the Government could not Works Appropriations bill then be sued, special legislation was moving through the Congress. passed to provide compensation Using authorizing language, with to the victims. a substantive amendment, the bill would allow payment of claims arising from Reclamation activities. (In September, the President signed a separate authorization bill sponsored by Claimants George R. and Ida W. Emery return a signed voucher to a claims clerk.

\ \

Dorothy Gimlin, a Reclamation employee, gives Lewis F. Smith a claims payment check. Unfortunately, no regulations After several meetings, one of Roy Boyd, a tort claims officer were written in the Texas City which lasted into the early morn­ and Chief of the Bureau's Water 23 case, and the only basic model ing hours, a draft of the regula­ Operations Branch in Washing­ available to those wrestling with tions was prepared and circu­ ton, D.C., had a role in writing the Teton tragedy was regula­ lated among interested Federal the regulations, and also was tions under the Federal Tort agencies, the Idaho congres­ responsible for preparing guide­ Claims Act. Mostly, the Teton sional delegation, and the State's lines for Bureau personnel who claims regulations were drafted governor. would be working in the claims from scratch, drawing on the program. expertise of various individuals "The biggest problem at that with experience in Government ''Let'spaythe victims time was the uncertainty of claims or disaster situations. a lair ancl equitable when the law would be passed," "The attitude was one of 'let's Boyd said. "We were under pay the victims a fair and equi­ amount as rapidly as desperate time pressures to get table amount as rapidly as possi­ the regulations written, but then ble so they can rebuild their possible so they can the bill was delayed because of communities,'" Achterman said. other issues, giving the Solici­ "We looked at it in terms of a rebuild their commu­ tor's office time to polish the grant program. We didn't want nities.'' regulations." to take a hard line or an adver­ The regulations were refined sary position, but at the same as the appropriations bill moved time we wanted to protect the through Congress and made its Government against fraud." way to the White House. Mean­ while, in anticipation of final approval of the bill, the Bureau HUD established this mobile home park in Sugar City to house flood victims.

Gail Achterman, an Interior attorney, and Roy Boyd, a tort claims officer, review regulations regarding After her claim was paid, Reclamation's legal responsibilities. Roberta Boice refurnished her damaged home.

of Reclamation went into action "There was a great deal of Loyd Ericson, an able admin­ to set up claims offices in three Federal experience available in istrator who is Chief of the Lands 24 Idaho cities: Rexburg, Idaho disaster relief and verification of Branch in the Boise regional Falls, and Blackfoot. Office space claims, and we elected to tap office, was named to direct had to be located, a staff had to that experience," Giampaoli claims activities in the disaster be assembled and trained, ad­ said. area as chief claims officer. ministrative details had to be Agreements were signed by Claims officers were appointed worked out. the Bureau and two other Fed­ to head each of the three offices: Administration of the claims eral agencies, the Small Busi­ Mark H. Lowe, chief administra­ program was assigned to the ness Administration (SBA) and tive officer for the Columbia Bureau's Pacific Northwest the Farmers Home Administra­ Basin Project, was assigned to Regional Office in Boise under tion (FmHA). Under those agree­ Blackfoot; Neil Stessman, direc­ the direction of Regional Direc­ ments, SBA would provide tor of the Columbia Basin Job tor Rod J. Vissia. investigators to verify claims in Corps Center at Moses Lake, Assistant Commissioner for urban areas, and FmHA would Wash., was appointed head of Resource Development, Donald supply experts to assess dam­ the Idaho Falls office; and A. Giampaoli was appointed by ages to farm property. Franklin E. Dimick, a civil engi­ Commissioner Gilbert G. Stamm But the bulk of the claims neer at Grand Coulee Dam, was as the Washington office coordi­ personnel were to be Reclama­ named to direct the office at nator for Teton disaster activi­ tion employees detailed to the Rexburg. ties. Giampaoli said that a flood area to assist claimants in decision was made to use Fed­ filling out and filing claim forms, eral personnel to run the claims to review the reports of loss program rather than turning it verifiers, and to disburse money over to private adjustment firms to the victims. who sought to contract for the job. Wilbur and Irene Park clean up after the flood washed their house 150 yards away.

Three experienced Federal The number of people working days later, on July 14, the regu­ attorneys were appointed by in the claims program fluctuates, lations were published in the Secretary of the Interior Thomas but as of early September it Federal Register and the claims 25 S. Kleppe to serve as authorized included 49 Reclamation em­ offices opened their doors. officers to make determinations ployees, 40 from the Small Busi­ Nine claims were received by on what claims would be allowed ness Administration, 13 repre­ the three offices that first day, and how much would be paid. senting the FmHA, three from the and a week later, the first claim The three were Thomas 0. Solicitor's office, and 16 tem­ check was issued to a farm Parker, veteran regional solicitor poraries. couple who live near Blackfoot. for the Interior Department in The claim offices were staffed At the time this article was Salt Lake City; Curtis H. Mene­ and ready to go by the time the written, 3,349 claims totaling fee, from the regional solicitor's over $116.5 million had been office in Denver, and Ernest filed. This is almost one-half of Skroch, a retired Interior lawyer The claims ollices the number of claims expected. from Sacramento, Calif. The Bureau has already paid Information officers, review were stallecl ancl 1,962 claims totaling over $42 team members, and disbursing reacly to go by the million. officers were assigned to the Observers of the Teton claims flood area from Reclamation time the President program generally agree that it Qffices throughout the West on is operating smoothly at this details ranging from 2 weeks to had signed the ap­ point. Ericson credits much of 30 days or more. Some tempo­ this early success to the attitude rary employees were hired in propriations bill of Bureau personnel. the local area to assist with clerical work. President had signed the appro­ priations bill on July 12. Two "The Bureau people have re­ operation, busing in hundreds sure. One of the problems has sponded as a team, and we have of church members from Utah, been the continuity of staff. Long had tremendous cooperation," Wyoming, and eastern Idaho. stretches away from their homes Ericson said. Without this volunteer help, the and families present a personal The performance of Reclama­ labor market would have been hardship to many of the Recla­ tion employees was also lauded devastated." mation employees working in the by Assistant Commissioner claims offices, and replacements Giampaoli. "The spirit of our have to be recruited and trained. Reclamation people in getting The Church orga­ Many of the problems surfac­ things done out there, working nized an extremely ing after initial experience with day and night, is a real plus," the claims procedures are being he said. efficient humanitar­ corrected with amendments to Another plus in the program the regulations and administra­ has been the response of the ian effort in the early tive decisions. Other problems victims themselves according to are resolved informally through Ericson. "They have demon­ clays of the crisis. the open line of communication. strated a willingness and ability It's no easy task making sure to pick themselves up and put "These volunteers prevented the flood victims are treated themselves back together," he the labor market from being sat­ fairly, while at the same time said. urated and prevented the econ­ guarding against the temptation omy of the entire eastern Idaho In particular he cited the vol­ of a very small minority to get area from being knocked out of unteer effort of the Church of some quick, easy money from kilter," Ericson said. Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints the Government. But the claims {the Mormon Church), which is His praise for the Mormons program is working, and work­ predominant in the area. The was echoed by William Eiken­ ing well. In the face of the Church organized an extremely berry on the staff of Interior's Bureau's darkest moment, Rec­ efficient humanitarian effort in Assistant Secretary Jack 0. Hor­ lamation employees may be writ­ the early days of the crisis, pro­ ton. ing one of the Bureau's most viding clothing, shelter, and "If it weren't for the well­ notable success stories. l!EJ 26 thousands of meals to flood vic­ organized Mormon effort, we tims in the hard-hit Rexburg area. really would have had a prob­ "But in addition," Ericson lem," Eikenberry said. said, "the Church donated over In its first months of operation, the Teton claims program has Don Kulawik, Clarence Anderson, and one million hours of volunteer Lyle Robertson check the loss verifiers' labor to help in the cleanup faced some difficulties to be analysis of claims. letterI

- Illw y

Dear Commissioner Stamm: ford, right at the mouth of the mendous responsibility and loss I am writing this letter to you Teton River Canyon. This area that any organization would be because I would like to express was almost completely deva­ proud to have a man of such my feelings on the good side of stated, but the people are all compassion working for it. He the story following the Teton back. I have walked through.their sent most of his people into the Dam failure. I work for the fields while they told me where area to get the irrigation system Bureau of Reclamation and have their homes were and what they going again. These people (Pete been detailed with the Flood looked like. I've dug in the soil Aberle, Dick McClung, Al Heintz Rehabilitation Teams working with them to see if the land was and others) are literally working under the Teton Emergency Co­ still productive and always it their tail ends off to help the ordinator. I am now, and have was, "We will start over." The farmers again get water to their always been proud of the Bureau love of the land and the pioneer crops. and the people who make it go. spirit are still alive and with I have not had to hold my head people like this, maybe this 27 Too often, we have been the in shame because I work for the country will make it another 200 Bureau of Reclamation. The farm target of one-sided reporting years. and abuse. I am sure the " I told people of the Wilford area have you so's" will be out in force I would also like to comment accepted us with open hearts using the dam failure as an ex­ on our own personnel. Don Fillis and have thanked us for helping cuse to downgrade us. So, what and Roland Ridgeway are doing them. Most would like to see the I would like to tell about is what a fine job running the Emergency dam rebuilt because their lives, Coordination Center. Robert it is like out on the ground here although threatened by it once, in Idaho. Robison (Robbie), the project need it badly to store irrigation construction engineer is working water so they can continue with The people on the farms of so hard and feels such a tre­ their way of life. Idaho are a tough, wonderful breed. I know because I have Sincerely yours, been working with them for al­ Frederick Angell most 3 weeks. They can stand Mid-Pacific Regional Office on their own and don't need or want people far-removed and P.S. I have enclosed a picture living in the comfort of city of one of the few houses left apartments talking for them. standing in the Wilford area. They make their living from the On our 200th anniversary I think land and want and need the this photo says it all about the water that projects like the Teton people of Idaho in the Teton Dam give them. flood area. The area I have been working is in and near the town of Wil- Reclamation Library

Reclamation Library American Public Works Associ­ Reclamation Paint Manual ation's new History of Public Updated Works in the United States, The newly published third edi­ 1776-1976. Produced in obser­ tion of the Bureau of Reclama­ vance of the Bicentennial, the tion's Paint Manual, a technical comprehensive, illustrated vol­ book describing protective coat­ ume discusses engineering and ings and their applications, is technological accomplishments available for purchase. within the context of broad so­ This edition updates uses of cial, economic, and political older materials and describes themes to illustrate how public new protective coatings coming works have enhanced the Ameri­ 28 into increasingly wide use. The can way of life. This book has manual stresses common specifi­ been written by a team of pro­ cations paints, conventional fessional engineers and histo­ cleaning and painting practices, rians with the cooperation of and the equipment and tech­ many officials and organizations niques of inspection. in the public works field. 20402 and from the Bureau of This 20-chapter volume covers Since protective coatings are Reclamation, Engineering and a principal means employed by all aspects of public works in Research Center, Attention: America, including chapters on Reclamation to control metal Code 922, P.O. Box 25007, work corrosion, the manual pro­ irrigation, flood control and Denver Federal Center, Denver, drainage, and parks and recrea­ vides basic information on the Colorado 80225 types of paint most frequently tion. The history contains chap­ used on Bureau of Reclamation ters on developing urban public Reclamation Efforts Featured in services, such as water supply; water resource development New Public Works History projects. The manual also identi­ sewer and wastewater treatment; fies other methods for controlling Early Reclamation efforts are solid waste disposal; drainage corrosion. among the hundreds of public and flood control. The third edition of the Paint works advances described in the The APWA Bicentennial his­ Manual is available for $5.40 tory deals not only with facilities from the Superintendent of Doc­ which are primarily Government­ uments, U.S. Government Print­ owned, it also discusses services ing Office, Washington, D.C. such as railroads, airways, and light and power which are essen­ tial to the common welfare of American society. I The History of Public Works The series of 17 maps, pre­ Reclamation Film Available in the United States, 1776-1976 pared at a scale of 1 :24,000 The story of 74 years of is avai !able for $15. Members of (1 inch equals 2,000 feet) , covers Reclamation is told in a new the Public Works Historical So­ a total of about 900 square miles 20-minute, sound and color film, ciety (annual membership fee is in southeastern Idaho. Each "The Miracle of Water," just $1 O) may obtain copies for $10. map measures 17 x 23 inches released by the Bureau of Rec­ Send book orders and requests and covers 54 square miles. lamation. for information about the society The maps show inundated Federally constructed storage to: American Public Works areas in a blue tint, and show reservoirs were conceived by Association, 1313 East 60th that the widest area of flooding Major John Wesley Powell, Street, Chicago, Ill. 60637. -about 7 miles-occurred at explorer-scientist of 100 years Rexburg. The maps were prepared as standard USGS Hydrologic­ lnvestigations Atlases (HA's). ;;• HISTORY OF i The title of each atlas is "Teton ~ II Dam Flood of June 1976, (quad­ PUBUC WORKS rangle name), Idaho." Each atlas i IN THE UHITED STAI ES l'I costs $1.75 and bears a distinct ! HA number, and should be ...a /,":::\ ~ ordered by that number. The E \,,i_:.·1 ii atlases may be purchased by I:::; mail (prepaid checks or money ; orders payable to the U.S. Geo­ ~ 29 ..:;i ,...... ­ logical Survey) from the USGS, ~ Branch of Distribution, Federal Center Bldg. 41, Box 25286, Denver, Colo., 80225. See accompanying list for ago, as the only way to ensure Teton Dam Flood Shown on Maps Atlas (HA's) numbers. an adequate water supply for A series of maps delineating hard-pressed pioneers and set­ areas inundated by the flood Quadrangle name tlers in the arid West. The film resulting from the failure of HA-565 Newdale tells this story and illustrates the Teton Dam has been compiled HA- 566 St. Anthony green and bountiful harvests of by the U.S. Geological Survey HA-567 Parker today by farmers using Recla­ and is available for purchase. HA-568 Moody mation water. The maps are part of a con­ HA-569 Rexburg "The Miracle of Water" is tinuing USGS program designed HA-570 Menan Buttes available from Bureau of Recla­ to document actual flood events HA-571 Deer Parks mation project or regional to aid in water and land-use HA-572 Rigby offices, or directly from the planning and management. The HA-573 Lewisville Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. maps show, in simple form, the HA-574 Idaho Falls North Department of the Interior, area flooded by the sudden re­ HA- 575 Idaho Falls South Code 910, Washington, D.C. lease of about 250,000 acre-feet HA-576 Woodvi lie 20240. A broader distribution of (80 billion gallons) of water in HA-577 Firth the film for the general public is the reservoir when the dam was HA-578 Rose planned through Modern Talking breached. HA-579 Blackfoot Pictures. HA-580 Moreland HA-581 Pingree Employees in the News Barrett has identified several • To find more effective ways goals toward which he will work to bridge the gap between the Cliff Barrett Named Assistant preservationists and the con­ Commissioner as Assistant Commissioner for Resource Planning. servationists regarding water Cliff Barrett, former Chief of Among them are: resource development. the Division of Water and Land, A member of the American has been appointed Assistant • To maintain and assert Public Works Association, Commissioner for Resource Reclamation's position as the Barrett was born in Salt Lake Planning, the position vacated by principal water planning agency City, and is married to the former James J. O'Brien who is working in the West. Lee Chesley of Westcliffe, Colo. for the World Bank. • To improve relationships between Reclamation and the They have three children, Vicki, Barrett began his career with Myron, and Jaqueline. the Bureau in 1956 as an engi­ numerous other agencies with 30 which Reclamation is involved. neer in the Denver office of Lucy Pettapiece - First Woman • To work toward finding Design and Construction, after Manager of a Project Office receiving a S.S. degree in civil equitable solutions to the Indian engineering from the University water rights problem. Lucy Pettapiece has been of Denver. He later transferred • To maintain and increase named Project Manager of the to Sacramento as a hydraulic the public's understanding and Bureau's Upper Missouri Proj­ engineer where he was promoted confidence in the Bureau's pro­ ects Office in Great Falls, Mont. to general engineer in the office gram. She is the first woman in the of Program Coordination. Four Cliff Barrett Bureau of Reclamation's history years later he came to Wash­ to be named manager of a proj­ ington, D.C., as a program spe­ 9Ct office. cialist in the Economics and A 1947 graduate of the Uni­ Statistics Branch in the Division versity of Texas with a B.S. of Water and Land. In 1973 he degree in civil engineering, she became chief of that division. began working as a civil engi­ This year, Barrett was elected neer for the Upper Missouri to serve on the Executive Com­ Projects Office in Great Falls in mittee of the United States Com­ mittee on Irrigation Drainage and Flood Control. He was a Depart­ ment of the Interior Fellow in 1975-76 and has attended the Federal Executive Institute. 1948. During her career with ters, Susan, the oldest, holds a for a brief period in Pavillion, Reclamation, she has worked in degree in space science and Wyo. He holds B.S. and M.S. the Planning, Design, and Con­ mechanical engineering; Pat, degrees in electrical engineering. struction Branches. the second, is a surveying aide As Division Chief, Harman has As Project Manager, she is in with the Montana Department of established three goals to work charge of the Canyon Ferry Dust Highways, and Ruth, the young­ toward: first, " I would like to Abatement Project at the upper est, is studying agriculture pro­ develop the team concept in end of Canyon Ferry Lake. A duction at Montana State Uni­ this office," he said. Secondly, contract for $5.5 million is in versity. he would like to improve cooper­ progress to dredge silt from the Harman is Chief, Power Division ation between the Washington reservoir and deposit it in ponds office and the regional offices. to prevent sand from blowing. Raymond E. Harman has been And third, he wishes to make named Chief, Division of Power Pettapiece was recently elec­ Reclamation customers feel more 31 in the Washington office, suc­ ted president of the Montana a part of the decisionmaking ceeding William F. Graham, who Section of the American Society process. "We must be concerned retired. of Civil Engineers in which she about the public," Harman said. has been active for 28 years. Harman, an electrical engi­ Harman is married to the neer, has been with the Bureau She is married to Vance G. former Maxine Day of Arnold, for 26 years. He began his career Pettapiece, a cattle and sheep Neb. They have four children, with Reclamation in 1950 in rancher. They have three daugh- Daniel, Regena, Lynda, and Paul. Cody, Wyo., and later held many Lucy Pettapiece offices in the Upper Missouri Raymond E. Harman Region. In 1972 Harman trans­ ferred to the Division of Power in the Washington office. A native of Nebraska, Harman served in the Air Force during World War 11 and taught school Bureau Eases Flood Impact at Draft Environmental Statement Big Thompson Canyon A draft environmental state­ Torrential rains, resulting in a ment on the use of water from flash flood that crashed through main-stem Missouri River Reser­ Colorado's Big Thompson Can­ " voirs for energy development has yon, caused the death of about been prepared by the Bureau of 140 people on July 31. But quick Reclamation. The statement action by Bureau of Reclamation discusses the environmental personnel helped reduce the imoacts resulting from the diver­ impact of the disaster. sion of a maximum of 1 million Bob Berling, project manager acre-feet of water for possible of the Bureau's South Platte industrial use in Montana, North River Projects Office, said, "Even Dakota, South Dakota, and during the period that the project Wyoming. was being extensively damaged, This statement is the first to we were providing a maximum result from the memorandum of of flood control benefits with understanding between the De­ the project facilities." partments of the Interior and of Bureau personnel stopped all the Army in which Reclamation flows of water from Bureau facil­ wi II market water from six reser­ ities into the flooding canyon voirs impounded by Army Corps and they increased the flow of of Engineers' dams on the water from Lake Estes and Missouri River. Olympus Dam above the Canyon Copies of the statement are into another system unaffected available from Code 150, Bureau 32 by the flood. of Reclamation, 18th & C Sts., The Bureau also provided NW., Washington, D.C. 20240, radio communication for emer­ and from Code 150, Bureau of gency rescue operations until Reclamation P.O. Box 2553 the sheriff's office could estab­ Federal Office Building, 316 lish a system between Loveland North 26th St., Billings, Mont. Part of the Big Thompson Siphon and Estes Park. A Bureau heli­ 59103. copter was used to evacuate lies atop "Big Dam" stranded flood victims and to near mouth of the canyon. survey damage to Bureau facili­ ties. Damage to Reclamation facili­ ties alone totaled an estimated $1 million. The siphon crossing the Big Thompson Canyon was destroyed. It was part of the Answers to Water Quiz canal which transports water 1. 80,000 cubic miles from the from the Flatiron Reservoir to ocean; 15,000 cubic miles the Horsetooth Reservoir. A new from land, lakes, streams, siphon started operation 88 days moist soils and leaf surfaces later. Also destroyed was a small of living plants. diversion dam, and the Big 2. Aquifer. Thompson Powerplant was 3. True. forced to cease operation 4. Percolation. because of the large quantity 5. True. of debris in the tailrace. Reclamation Construction in the News Mt. Elbert Contracts $8.5 Million for Carter and Construction at Spring Hill, Tualatin Project Two contracts have been let Mormon Tunnels for the Mt. Elbert pumped­ A contract to construct Carter Electric Technology Corpora­ storage hydroelectric powerplant and Mormon Tunnels of the tion of Tacoma, Wash., has been in Colorado. The first is an award North Side Collection System of awarded a $1,028,642 contract to of $2,582,070 for the second the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project, complete Spring Hill Pumping generator which went to Hitachi Colo., has been awarded to the Plant and Switchyard near Forest America Ltd. of San Francisco, joint venture of Martin K. Eby Grove, Oreg., and a contract for Calif. The second contract was Construction, Co. Inc., and $4,085,469 has been awarded to awarded to Red River Construc­ Equipment Rental and Sales Co., Underground Construction Co., tion Co., Addison, Tex., with a Inc. {doing business as Eby and Inc. of San Leandro, Calif., to bid of $1,061,503. This contract Co.) of Wichita, Kans. construct Block 4B of the distri­ is for the 230-kilovolt transmis­ In addition to the two tunnels, bution system in Washington sion line from Mt. Elbert to the the work includes construction County, Oreg. Public Service Co. of Colorado's of six diversion structures, three The distribution system and Malta Substation. conduits, access roads, and an pumping plant are part of the The Mt. Elbert powerplant is operations building. The work Tualatin Project, which will a pumped-storage facility includ­ is located near Basalt, Colo., in provide water for irrigation, ing an upper and lower reservoir Eagle and Pitkin Counties. municipal and industrial use, with the powerplant between. water quality control, recreation, During peak demand periods, Four New Pump-Turbines at and fish and wildlife for Wash­ water is piped through the Grand Coulee ington, Yamhill, and Clackamas Counties adjacent to the metro­ powerplant to generate clean Four vertical-shaft pump­ politan area of Portland. hydroelectricity. At low demand turbines will be installed at the periods, usually at night, the Grand Coulee Pumping-Generat­ When completed, the pumping water is pumped back to the ing Plant in Washington under plant and its distribution system upper reservoir using lower cost provisions of the contract will provide water for the city surplus electricity supplied by awarded to Mitsui and C.ompany of Hillsboro and will furnish a the powerplant's customers. The (USA) Inc., of San Francisco. supplemental supply of irrigation cycle is then reversed to gener­ water for about 10,350 acres of At a cost of $6, 776, 133, the ate additional power in the early farmland. The 57 kilovolt switch­ four pump-turbines each ace afternoon and evening hours. yard will be used to supply rated at 67,500 horsepower. The power to the pumping plant. contract also calls for building and testing a pump-turbine model.

U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: 1976 240- 962/1 1-3 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR POSTAGE A N D F EES PAI D DEPARTMEN T OF TH E INTER IOR Bureau of Reclamation INT·420 Wash i ngton, D.C. 20240

WATER FOR TOMORROW Specialists discuss problems and solutions of water conservation and development. $4.oo per·yea; ma (·$1.00 additional for foreign mailing) Read about the multipurpose uses of Reclamation's projects. learn how Reclamation's dams, reservoirs, ed our Nation. The Bureau of Reclamation opens its waters to such activities as: Municipal and industrial uses • Fish and wildlife preservation • Natural resource conservation • Recreation Flood control • Power generation

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