The original project system, composed of' Theodore Roosevelt Dam and Powerplant, Granite Reef Diversion Dam, and the improved main canals, was placed in service in 1909 and completed in 1911. The Salt River Valley Water User's Association built Horse Mesa, Stewart Mountain, and Mormon Flat Dams during 1923-1930. All the work was started in 1936 and completed by 1939. In 1946, the Phelps-Dodge Corporation completed Horseshoe Dam on the Verde River under a water exchange agreement. Benefits Irrigation Irrigation water from the project helped transform a part of the Arizona desert into fertile farmland that produces millions of dollars worth of crops annually.
Principal crops are wheat, grain sorghum, pasture, grain, alfalfa, barley, and citrus.
Flood Control Capacity assigned to flood control is 556,000 acre-feet. All reservoirs located on the Salt and Verde Rivers offer year-round boating and fishing for a variety of warmwater fish species. Waterfowl hunting is permitted in season. Theodore Roosevelt Lake contains a wildlife area and, as a wildlife refuge, is posted to permit hunting at certain times of the year. Theodore Roosevelt and Apache Lakes offer year-round motel rental facilities.