The U.S. Department of the Interior has introduced Secretary’s Order 3446 to expedite water infrastructure projects across 17 Western states. This initiative aims to reduce administrative burdens, lower costs, and accelerate the development of essential water and power services.
Under the new order, local water and power partners will be empowered to manage specific procurement processes and negotiate contract modifications, all while remaining under federal oversight. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, this change is designed to streamline operations and enhance efficiency in project execution.
Secretary Doug Burgum highlighted the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, stating, “The Trump administration is focused on unleashing American infrastructure, cutting unnecessary red tape and lowering costs for families, farmers and communities.” He emphasized that by empowering local partners and simplifying federal processes, projects can be completed more quickly, facilitating the delivery of water and power to regions in need and fostering economic growth in the West.
First Project Under the New Order
The implementation of Secretary’s Order 3446 will begin with the B. F. Sisk Dam Raise and Reservoir Expansion. In collaboration with the San Luis and Delta Mendota Water Authority, this project aims to add 130,000 acre-feet of storage capacity to the San Luis Reservoir. The San Luis and Delta Mendota Water Authority will take on major procurement responsibilities for this initiative.
Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Andrea Travnicek noted that the order instructs the Bureau of Reclamation to review its processes, manuals, and guidelines to discover further operational efficiencies. This review will also encompass regulatory requirements, engineering designs, and environmental compliance, ensuring coordination with water and power users, tribal nations, and other stakeholders.
The approach outlined in Secretary’s Order 3446 may also be considered for future federal projects within other bureaus, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This broader application aims to enhance the efficiency of federal efforts in addressing the pressing water needs of various regions.
By prioritizing local engagement and reducing bureaucratic obstacles, the Department of the Interior seeks to create a more effective framework for water management in the West. This initiative represents a significant step forward in ensuring that communities receive the vital resources they require for sustainable development.
