Hiring News: Kelli Schulte, 2010 Masters in Resource Law Studies Graduate, Begins Work as Program Analyst for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Kelli Schulte, a 2010 Masters in Resource Law Studies Graduate from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, has been hired by the Bureau of Reclamation, which is part of the U.S. Department of Interior.

According to Ms. Schulte:

"As a Program Analyst in the Policy and Administration Office I participate with senior analysts in the preparation of policies, directives and standards, and provide guidance for Reclamation programs. In doing so, I research laws, precedents, and program procedures to develop new policy for Reclamation programs. I also review program-related reports to ensure proper implementation of such programs is occurring at the regional and local level.

"At the present time I am engaged in the development of revised funding criteria for mature Reclamation programs and I am assisting in the development of program criteria and funding announcements for projects that are in their early stages. I work with my team members to develop program budgets and to respond to Congressional and Department (Department of the Interior) level budget inquiries and I suspect I will have the opportunity to engage with many inter-governmental and non-federal entities during my time with Reclamation.

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) is a contemporary water management agency, with a history in dam building. Today it has shifted its focus from construction to operation and maintenance. It is the largest wholesaler of water in the nation providing drinking water to more than 31 million Americans and irrigating more than 10 million acres of farmland. Reclamation is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the western United States providing more than 40 billion kilowatt hours annually.

Reclamation places a heavy emphasis on fulfilling its water delivery obligations in an efficient and environmentally sound manner. Nevertheless, with today’s increasing water resource challenges, Reclamation must look beyond its obligation to deliver water, in order to meet the competing needs, of an increasing population, with limited water resources. It does this through a variety of programs that address various needs and concerns throughout the west.

Don C. Smith, Director of the Environmental and Natural Resources Law (ENRL) program, said, "We are delighted with the news that Ms. Schulte has begun working for the Bureau of Reclamation. While studying at DU, Kelli established herself as an individual committed to the proper oversight of the country's resources. She will now carry out this commitment in her new role with the Bureau."

Lucy Daberkow, Assistant Director of the ENRL Graduate Program from which Ms. Schulte earned her degree, said, "From the day Kelli began our program in August 2009 through May 2010 when she graduated, Kelli was an enthusiastic and engaged student who learned from everyone she met and every course she took. We wish her great success in her new position."