News Release Archive

Wild Rose Park to Close During Construction at Black Canyon Diversion Dam

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

For Release: June 20, 2013

EMMETT, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation will close Wild Rose Park beginning in September 2014 during the construction associated with adding a third hydroelectric generator and associated facilities at Black Canyon Diversion Dam.

The popular 10.5 acre park is closing for public safety reasons while the location is used as a staging area for heavy equipment and construction crews. The park will reopen when construction is completed in March 2017.

"We know this park is popular with local residents and visitors, but it is the only location where the construction can be safely managed," said Jerry Gregg,, Snake River Area Manager. "All other parks in the area will remain open and offer a similar recreational experience as Wild Rose Park."

Groups will be able to reserve all of Cobblestone Park for special events during the construction period. This accessible day-use park offers a group shelter, meadow area, restroom, picnic tables, potable water, and electrical service. Other parks nearby include Black Canyon Park and Triangle Park. Information about these parks is available online at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/snakeriver/landuse/blackcanyon.

The new 12.5 MW hydroelectric unit will expand the production capacity of the two existing 5 MW units. It will generate 105 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually which will be integrated into the power grid to serve 10 irrigation districts in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon, as well as the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.

The $53 million project is funded by the Bonneville Power Administration which markets hydroelectric power generated at Reclamation facilities in the Pacific Northwest; as well as Reclamation and the various irrigation and power customers.

Black Canyon Diversion Dam and Powerplant were completed in 1925 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.

Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/snakeriver/landuse/blackcanyon