News Release Archive

Reclamation Awards $11 Million Contract for Crane Modifications at Grand Coulee Dam

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 02/28/2011 10:05
Lynne Brougher, lbrougher@usbr.gov

For Release: February 28, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded an $11 million contract to modify and upgrade six cranes at the Third Power Plant at Grand Coulee Dam, located on the Columbia River about 90 miles west of Spokane, Wash.

The contract was awarded to Dix Corporation, Spokane, Wash., on February 25, 2011.

"Upgrading this heavy-lifting equipment is essential for the safe and continuous operation of this major facility," said Reclamation Commissioner Michael Connor. "This will keep Reclamation on schedule to successfully complete the overhaul of the Third Power Plant."

The work consists of modifying two gantry cranes on top of the dam and three bridge cranes and one gantry crane inside the Third Power Plant. The work includes removal of existing operator's controls, removal of all electrical equipment and wiring, and design, fabrication, factory/field testing, furnishing and installing digital variable-frequency drive (VFD) control systems.

Work is expected to start April 12, 2011, and be completed around November 30, 2012.

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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.