The 1999 request also provides funds for a number of high priority activities that emphasize water conservation, environmental restoration and innovative ways of managing our water resources. This fund, financed by revenues collected from project beneficiaries, is available to improve fish and wildlife resources in the Central Valley Project area. Our goal is to meet the increasing water demands of the West while protecting the environment and the public's investment. After constructing more than 600 dams and reservoirs, including Hoover and Grand Coulee dams, Reclamation's initial dam-building mission had been accomplished. Today, Reclamation is the largest water wholesaler in the country, bringing water resources to more than 31 million people and irrigating approximately 10 million acres of land.
Reclamation also is the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the Western States.
Reclamation's 58 powerplants annually provide more than 40 billion kilowatt-hours, generate nearly a billion dollars in power revenues, and produce enough electricity to serve six million homes.