SELLS, AZ – The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) broke ground this week on a crucial replacement dam at Menager’s Lake located on the Tohono O’odham Nation, supported with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
The BIA also announced an additional $42 million in funding to repair and revitalize irrigation and power infrastructure, as well as fund additional dam safety projects in other tribal communities throughout the United States.
Originally built for irrigation, Menager’s Dam now primarily serves to provide flood protection to the downstream community of Ali Chuk. In 2018, during a tropical storm, the existing 22-foot-tall earthen dam was nearly overtopped, highlighting the urgent need for a replacement. The structure’s deteriorating condition posed a growing risk to the surrounding community’s safety. In 2023, the Department announced $10.3 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to initiate the replacement of the dam, which will provide improved flood protection and address ongoing safety concerns.
“These investments underscore our commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian Country’s water and power infrastructure to help protect the tribal communities we serve,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “The Investing in America agenda has provided critical funding to repair and revitalize infrastructure facilities in tribal communities throughout Indian Country, advancing economic opportunities for tribes and expanding access to clean, reliable drinking water for Indigenous families.”
The Menager’s Dam replacement project is expected to be completed by January 2026.
In addition to the Menager’s Dam project, the BIA will invest $10 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding across various tribal communities to address aging infrastructure and reduce the risk of system failures.
This investment will support:
- $7 million for the Fort Hall Irrigation Project, Fort Hall Reservation, ID
- $1 million for Colorado River Agency – Electrical Services, Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation, AZ
- $1 million for Mission Valley Power, Flathead Indian Reservation, MT
- $1 million for the San Carlos Irrigation Project – Power Division, San Carlos Indian Reservation and Gila River Indian Reservation, AZ
Additionally, the Bureau will allocate $32 million in fiscal year 2025 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to address dam safety deficiencies, with significant investments for:
- $26 million for Antelope Dam, Rosebud Sioux Reservation, SD
- $6 million for the A1, Bootleg, Cooley, Christmas Tree and Davis Dams, Fort Apache Reservation, AZ
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests $13 billion directly into American Indian and Alaska Native tribal communities throughout the United States, including $250 million over five years for tribal dams and water projects. The BIA’s Division of Water and Power supports irrigation, power and dam projects in Indian Country.
