News Release Archive

Reclamation Opens New Exhibit Program at Grand Coulee Dam

Media Contact: Diana Cross, (208) 378-5020, dcross@pn.usbr.gov
Craig Sprankle, csprankle@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: April 28, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation announced today that new exhibits have been installed at the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center. The exhibits interpret Grand Coulees role as one of the main irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River. Exhibits also address the effects the dam has had on various groups of people, including Native Americans and early settlers. Many of the exhibits are hands-on, including a virtual tour of the dam by jet pack, an operating jackhammer, and an interactive game on operating the dam. Exhibits are accessible and are designed to appeal to all ages.

The Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with extended hours for the summer between Memorial Day and the end of September. For more information on visiting Grand Coulee Dam, contact the Visitor Center at (509) 633-9265 or check the web page at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/.

Grand Coulee Dam is the largest hydroelectric dam in North America. It is a key feature of Reclamation's Columbia Basin Project in central Washington. A multi-purpose project, it provides flood control, irrigation, hydropower production, recreation, stream flows, and fish and wildlife benefits. About 400,000 people visit Grand Coulee Dam each year. Note to editors: Recently retired Commissioner John Keys will join Regional Director Bill McDonald, local, state, and tribal officials, and invited guests in the dedication and opening of the new exhibits on Friday, May 5, at 3:00 p.m. Following brief remarks, a tour of the exhibits will be led by Craig Kerger of Formations, Inc., Portland, Ore, designer and fabricator of the exhibits.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.