National Reclamation Act
Quick Summary
The National Reclamation Act of 1902, established under President Theodore Roosevelt, created the U.S. Reclamation Service (later the Bureau of Reclamation). This act aimed to transform arid lands in the American West into productive farmland through irrigation. The bureau constructs and manages canals, dams, and hydroelectric power plants. Its operations span 17 western states, focusing on water resource management to prevent water rights infringements. While initially focused on construction, the bureau's emphasis shifted to maintenance and environmental concerns in 1989. The projects are designed to be financed by beneficiaries, though repayment terms have evolved over time. The bureau has faced criticism from environmentalists regarding water diversion and project impacts.1
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PhoenixThe boomtown yearsThe National Reclamation Act of 1902 had made government funding available for such public works. In 1905 construction began on the Roosevelt Dam, the first such structure on the Salt River; it was finished in 1911, making it possible to irrigate the surrounding desert and thus…
Read MoreThe National Reclamation Act of 1902 had made government funding available for such public works. In 1905 construction began on the Roosevelt Dam, the first such structure on the Salt River; it was finished in 1911, making it possible to irrigate the surrounding desert and thus…
Read More
United StatesTheodore Roosevelt and the Progressive movementMoreover, adoption of the National Reclamation Act of 1902 made possible the beginning of an ambitious federal program of irrigation and hydroelectric development in the West.
Read MoreMoreover, adoption of the National Reclamation Act of 1902 made possible the beginning of an ambitious federal program of irrigation and hydroelectric development in the West.
Read More