The last major authorization forconstruction projects occurred in the late 1960s while a parallel evolution and development ofthe American environmental movement began to result in strong opposition to waterdevelopment projects. Even the 1976 failure of Teton Dam as it filled for the first time, didnot diminish Reclamation's strong international reputation in water development circles. However, this first and only failure of a major Reclamation dam did shake the bureau whichsubsequently developed a very strong dam safety program designed to avoid similar problemsin the future. Reclamation operates about 180 projects in the 17 Western States. Reclamation projects provide agricultural, household, and industrial water toabout one-third of the population of the American West.
Reclamation is a major American generator of electricity.
In1993 Reclamation had 56 powerplants on-line and generated 34.7 billion kilowatt hours ofelectricity. Between 1988 and 1994, Reclamation underwent major reorganization asconstruction on projects authorized in the 1960s and earlier drew to an end. The major rivers have been harnessed and facilities are in place or are being completed to meet the most pressing currentwater demands and those of the immediate future. Emphasis in Reclamation programsshifted from construction to operation and maintenance of existing facilities. In redirecting its programs and responsibilities, Reclamation substantially reduced its stafflevels and budgets but remains a significant Federal agency in the West.