News Release Archive

Reclamation to Host Open House on Black Canyon Diversion Dam Hydropower Construction Project

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 383-2207, jredding@usbr.gov
Chris Vick, cvick@usbr.gov

For Release: June 13, 2013

EMMETT, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation will host a public open house on June 25 to inform people and seek public comment about plans to construct a third hydroelectric generator at Black Canyon Diversion Dam on the Payette River about 5 miles northeast of Emmett, Idaho.

The open house will be held 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Kenneth J. Carberry Intermediate School, 1950 E. 12th St., Emmett, Idaho. People needing sign language interpretation or other accessible accommodations should contact Helene Tomaszewski at (208) 383-2217.

"We are very interested in meeting with people to explain what will take place throughout the construction period and to listen to their concerns," Jerrold Gregg, Snake River Area manager, said.

After a brief presentation, people will be able to visit information stations where representatives will explain what will take place as construction moves forward. Topics at the information stations include:

  • Project scope and schedule
  • Environmental Assessment process
  • Water quality and fish impacts
  • Recreation
Plans call for constructing a 12.5 MW hydroelectric unit that will expand the production capacity of the two existing 5 MW units. The new unit will generate 105 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) - enough to power 9,359 homes a year.

The $53 million project is funded by the Bonneville Power Administration which markets hydroelectric power generated at Reclamation facilities in the Pacific Northwest. The project is expected to start in October 2014, and be completed in early 2017.

Black Canyon Diversion Dam was constructed in 1924 as part of the Payette Division of the Boise Project. It is a multipurpose facility that provides water for irrigation, hydropower, and recreation.

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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.