The Reclamation Act, passed in 1902, aimed to promote agricultural development in the arid western United States. It authorized the federal government to construct irrigation projects, allowing farmers to convert dry land into productive farmland. This act was crucial for settling the West and supporting the growing population. Under the Reclamation Act, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation was established to oversee these projects. Notable projects include the Hoover Dam and the Central Valley Project, which provided water to millions of acres of farmland. The act significantly contributed to the economic growth and sustainability of the region.