The first “stimulus” or American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) project for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in western Arizona was completed this week.

“We are very excited to have our first ARRA project finished in the Colorado River District,” said District Manager Becky Heick. “It was touch and go with the weather for the last few weeks, however, we finally received the right temperatures and were able to get the project completed.”

Copp Contracting, Inc., of Buena Park, California, was awarded the $89,500 project to seal and chip seal the existing parking lot at the Rock House Visitors Center and Boat Launch on the Parker Strip Recreation Area in November 2009.

“We tried to start the project the week of Christmas, however, the weather didn’t cooperate,” stated District Engineer Britt Bowen. “The specifications for the project state that the minimum ground temperature must be 55 degrees. We had a cold spell and then rain and cold again, so we were not able to get the project started until Monday, February 15, 2009. We needed mornings that recorded 55 degrees at 8 a.m. so we could get a full day’s work done without having to wait until late morning to start work.”

Owner of Copp Contracting, Inc., Dennis Copp said this was a great project to work on. “I wish all of the agencies we work with would put as much effort into getting our project completed successfully as the people I worked with on this project,” said Copp. “From the beginning of the project when I needed questions answered regarding the paperwork all the way up to being sym-pathetic about postponing the project due to weather, the BLM was great to work with. It was refreshing!”

Copp estimates that over 30 individuals supported and worked on this project, with 5 full time employees completing the project work on the ground. Copp stated that he has bid on quite a few ARRA projects in the past, however, this is his first awarded ARRA project.  He said the bid process takes a little more effort, but gets easier as you learn the bid process. “We enjoy working in Arizona and hope to work with you again.”

Located approximately 45 minutes south of Lake Havasu City, the Rock House Visitor Center and Boat Ramp are very popular facilities on the Parker Strip Recreation Area. “The facilities provide visitors with recreation and other information, scenic view overlooking the Colorado River, restrooms, and free boat launching,” said Lake Havasu Field Manager Ramone McCoy. “This site is located on the California side of the Colorado River, along the Parker Dam Road National Back Country Byway, a recreation paradise of campgrounds, day use areas, concession resorts, and Off-Highway Vehicle open areas.”