News Release Archive

Construction Begins on Savage Rapids Pumping Plant

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Bob Hamilton, rhamilton@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: September 19, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation is advising drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution on State Highway 99 and Foothills Blvd., as heavy construction equipment arrives in early October to work on the Savage Rapids pumping plant near Grants Pass, Ore.

Slayden Construction Group, Inc. of Stayton, Ore., will begin the $28 million construction project that will include a new pumping plant facility and pipelines. This will be the beginning phase that will eventually involve the removal of Savage Rapids Dam.

The new pumping plant will be 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 by December 2009.

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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.