News Release Archive

Reclamation Awards $28 Million Contract for Savage Rapids Work

Media Contact: Diana Cross, (208) 378-5020, dcross@pn.usbr.gov
Robert Hamilton, rhamilton@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: August 09, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded the first part of a contract for construction of the Savage Rapids pumping plant and subsequent removal of a major portion of the Grants Pass Irrigation District's Savage Rapids Dam located on the Rogue River near Grants Pass, Ore.

Slayden Construction Group, Inc. of Stayton, Ore. was awarded the contract on August 9. The entire project, including dam removal, is scheduled to be completed by December 19, 2009.

The first phase of the contract covers construction of a pumping plant capable of handling flows up to 150 cubic feet per second to ensure that the Grants Pass Irrigation District can continue service to its patrons on both sides of the river once Savage Rapids Dam is breached.

A second phase of the contract, which will be awarded once the remaining construction easement is acquired, will cover construction of a pipe bridge designed to carry a portion of the district's water across the river. This will be followed by removal of a major portion of the dam.

"Reclamation looks forward to assisting the Grants Pass Irrigation District with permanently resolving fish passage problems at Savage Rapids Dam while ensuring a continued water supply for district patrons," said Acting Commissioner Bill Rinne.

The President's fiscal year 2007 budget request included $13 million in funding for the project. The funding has been approved by the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. Action in the Senate is pending.

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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.