Washington, DC – The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced today that three contracts totaling nearly $18 million will go to Yuma-area projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The contracts vary in size and purpose, but all are targeted at the transportation and agricultural sectors and will provide economic opportunities for local businesses.

“Contracts like these are an important part of America’s ongoing economic recovery, and making needed improvements to infrastructure will ensure that the benefits will be sustainable and long-lasting,” said Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva upon announcement of the grants. “Spending Recovery Act money the right way, as we are doing here, will lead not only to a better and more efficient economy but to a cleaner environment, and that’s something Yuma residents can look forward to regardless of their politics.”

The Bureau of Reclamation, a part of DOI, announced an $11.8 million contract with CJW Construction, Inc., to remove more than 1.2 million cubic yards of sediment from behind Imperial Diversion Dam 20 miles north of Yuma. The Bureau also announced contracts of $1.6 million to fund emergency drought relief in eastern California and $4.4 million to repair the Lower Cibola Bridge near the California border.

For more information about participating in the sediment and Cibola Bridge projects, contact Chris Wallis at the Bureau of Reclamation at (928) 343-8215. For more information about the drought relief project, contact Pete Lucero at the Bureau at (916) 978-5100.