SACRAMENTO, Calif. - The California State Water Project (CSWP) was named a Civil Engineering Monument of the Millennium by the American Society of Civil Engineers. The CSWP is the first project on U.S. soil to be given this honor by the ASCE.

The Monument of the Millennium award was established in 1999, to recognize the contribution towards the well being of people worldwide put forth by civil engineers.

"America's engineers have selected California's water project as one of the greatest engineering marvels of an entire century," said Department of Water Resources Director Thomas M. Hannigan. "This award honors the visionary men and women who designed and built this great, innovative and durable water project."

The CSWP imports water from surplus areas in California for storage and distribution. The system stretches over 600 miles and provides flood control, power generation, water quality improvement, recreation and wildlife enhancement.