News Release Archive

Reclamation Awards $2 Million Contract for Grand Coulee Third Powerplant Project Planning

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212
Lynne Brougher

For Release: March 04, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $2 million contract for project planning and management assistance needed for upcoming work at the Grand Coulee Dam Third Powerplant.

MWH Americas, Bellevue, Wash., was awarded the contract on March 2. They will provide architect and engineering services for numerous activities associated with the upcoming Grand Coulee Dam Third Powerplant Unit Overhaul.

"The Grand Coulee Dam is a vital part of our nation's infrastructure, generating power for communities across the Northwest," said Interior Secretary Ken Salazar. "This contract will allow Reclamation to modernize and maintain the Grand Coulee Dam so that it can continue to serve as a key component of our nation's energy infrastructure."

An environmental assessment describing the options for accomplishing the unit overhaul project is currently underway. The six generating units that comprise the Third Powerplant have been in service since the mid 1970s and their reliability is decreasing.

Grand Coulee Dam is located on the Columbia River in north central Washington. It was completed in 1942 and today serves as a multipurpose facility providing water for irrigation, recreation, fish and wildlife, hydroelectric power production, and flood control.

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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.