News Release Archive

$1.6 Million Contract Awarded for a New Laser Light Show at Grand Coulee Dam

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 07/26/2012 09:36
Lynne Brougher, lbrougher@usbr.gov

For Release: July 26, 2012

GRAND COULEE, Wash. - Grand Coulee Dam's unique visitor's experience is about to get a major overhaul with a $1.6 million contract.

The contract was awarded by the Bureau of Reclamation to LumaLaser of Eugene, Ore., with funding from the Bonneville Power Administration. The money will be used to improve the overall show including replacement of the outdated laser light show and an upgrade of all equipment associated with the show, including its sound system. The modernized system will consume less electricity - realizing an energy savings of more than 75 percent.

LumaLaser will reach out to stakeholders and collect their input for the new script. The goal is to create a more comprehensive story about Grand Coulee Dam, including its influence on people, local communities and the nation's energy needs. The project begins late summer and should be in place for next year's summer season.

"The laser light show is a popular way to tell the story of Grand Coulee Dam and the Columbia Basin Project," Reclamation Commissioner Michael L. Connor said. "We want to continue to share the rich culture and history of the area with the thousands of people who visit Grand Coulee Dam each year. The new laser light show will be a dynamic and energy efficient way to engage visitors and infuse tourism dollars into the local community."

Grand Coulee Dam is known worldwide as an engineering marvel that harnesses the strength of the mighty Columbia River to provide clean energy throughout the Pacific Northwest and water to thousands of irrigated acres, making it a national treasure and a symbol of American pride and ingenuity.

The current laser light show has been in operation every summer since 1989. Since that time, the program has suffered many technical difficulties and maintenance problems.

Grand Coulee Dam is located on the Columbia River in north central Washington. It was completed in 1941 and today serves as a multipurpose facility providing water for irrigation, hydroelectric power production, flood control, recreation, fish and wildlife.

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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.

Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/grandcoulee/index.html