Miguel Rocha, P.E., was selected as the Bureau of Reclamation's chief of dam safety. Rocha will oversee the Dam Safety Program, which evaluates existing dams for safety concerns and implements proactive solutions for dams across Reclamation. In this new role, Rocha oversees responsibility for Reclamation’s 360 high hazard potential dams. Failure or improper operation of a high hazard potential dam could result in loss of life or significant economic loss.
"Reclamation takes proactive actions so its dams do not pose an unreasonable risk to people, property or the environment," said Dam Safety and Infrastructure Director Karen Knight. "Miguel's extensive experience at Reclamation will be invaluable as he takes on this important leadership role as well as working with local, regional and national partners."
Rocha joined Reclamation in 1998 and brings nearly 25 years of Reclamation experience to his new role. Before being named chief of dam safety, Rocha was the supervisory civil engineer in the Dam Safety Office. He also has worked in Reclamation’s Research and Development Office, Policy and Programs Office, Albuquerque Area Office, Oklahoma-Texas Area Office, and the Missouri Basin Regional Office.
A native of Las Cruces, New Mexico, Rocha holds a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from New Mexico State University and a Master of Engineering from the University of Colorado. He is a licensed professional engineer in the state of New Mexico.
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