Milligan Receives Golden Bucket Award

The San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority bestowed its coveted Golden Bucket award on Ron Milligan, retired manager for Central Valley Operations of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Mid-Pacific Region. Authority Chairman Cannon Michael presented the award to Milligan at the Authority’s November 7, 2019 board meeting. Michael expressed his appreciation for the service Milligan had provided to water users throughout California’s Central Valley during his long career at Reclamation.

The Authority’s Executive Director, Federico Barajas, also expressed his appreciation to Milligan for his many contributions to the Authority.  Throughout his tenure with Reclamation, Ron worked closely with Central Valley Project (“CVP”) contractors on issues, projects, and programs related to operations of the CVP with the potential to restore water deliveries and has always been a strong advocate for fostering cooperative, collaborative relations among Reclamation and water agencies.  As Reclamation’s CVO Manager, Ron worked hand-in-hand with the staff of the Authority and its member agencies, and was always instrumental in addressing the Authority’s water supply-related issues.

In receiving the award, Milligan said he was deeply honored and that this was a humbling experience, considering the caliber of Golden Bucket recipients who preceded him.

The Golden Bucket is awarded to individuals who have contributed exceptionally to the management of California’s water supply. Recipients’ names are inscribed on a perpetual plaque that remains on display at the Authority offices.

Milligan retired in 2018 after long career at the Bureau of Reclamation.