The SRP legacy
SRP was established by local citizens and landowners who would become the leadership of the Phoenix metropolitan area. These water pioneers range from the first ditch digger to a political petitioner fighting for the National Reclamation Act of 1902 to ranchers, farmers, engineers and business people concerned with the long-term viability of SRP.
A need for water
A century ago, Arizona settlers were challenged by the harsh desert environment. Water was scarce and the supply unreliable. In 1903, the settlers formed the Salt River Valley Water Users' Association, still a part of today's SRP, and pledged more than 200,000 acres of their land as collateral for a government loan to build a massive water storage and delivery system.
That loan was made possible by the National Reclamation Act of 1902, which provided funding for the construction of water storage dams and canals, bringing new hope to those who had struggled to develop the area.
With the government loan, the dam was built and named it after the President Theodore Roosevelt, whose foresight and commitment brought the project to life.
In 1996, a $430 million modification project was completed that raised the height of Roosevelt Dam to 357 feet and expanded the lake's storage capacity by 20 percent. Roosevelt Dam was, and still is, the cornerstone of the Salt River Valley's water storage and delivery system.
As the area grew, the Association added three more dams on the Salt River and two dams on the Verde River. A 1,300-mile system of canals and laterals was built to complete the water delivery system.
The water storage and delivery system brought new life to the land. More than any other single factor, this system influenced the region's development.
As the state grew, SRP realized that its storage system and groundwater supplies would not be adequate to support the future growth of Arizona's cities, agriculture, business and industry. So we helped bring the Central Arizona Project (CAP) to life. The CAP's canal system transports water from the Colorado River across the desert and into the state's central valley, augmenting the region's supply.
Today, SRP's water storage and delivery system delivers more than 1 million acre-feet annually to the Salt River Valley.
The hydrogeneration created by the Association was successful, and confirmed that electricity could generate revenue support for the Association.
In the late 1800s, Phoenicians enjoyed the wonders of Arizona Falls, gathering there to picnic, socialize and dance near the cool water.
Utilizing the flowing water of the canal to produce power, Arizona Falls was also the site of the first hydroelectric plant in Phoenix. Originally built in 1902, the plant was rebuilt by SRP in 1911, began delivering power again in 1913 and was eventually shut down in 1950.
As the years passed and more people moved to the Valley, Arizona Falls was almost forgotten as the place to gather - until today. The falls reopened in June 2003.
In 1937, the Association created the Salt River Project Agricultural Improvement and Power District, a political subdivision of the state of Arizona, which to operate the power generation and distribution system. The Association and District later became known as Salt River Project.
SRP's electricity was first created through hydrogeneration. This electricity initially supported the growing agriculture and mining businesses. Our residential customer base rapidly increased each year -- sometimes by as much as 30% -- and demand exceeded supply.
SRP diversified to also produce electricity from steam and diesel oil. In the late 1940s, SRP committed to system expansion, purchasing new equipment, using new technology and building new substations -- essentially creating a new power system.
As demand increased in the 1960s and 1970s, SRP again committed to keep its power system progressive, building Navajo and Coronado generating stations.
Today, SRP and its partners generate power from plants in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico, with a diverse fuel mix of coal, nuclear, hydro, natural gas and oil. This allows SRP to take advantage of favorable markets and provide power to customers at the lowest possible cost.
SRP's response to growth, commitment to progress and the environment has helped shape the West for more than 100 years and made it possible for millions to live in the desert and enjoy and a bustling economy in metropolitan Phoenix.