News Release Archive

Minidoka Dam Spillway Completion Ceremony Open to the Public

Media Contact: Dave Walsh, (208) 378-5026, dwalsh@usbr.gov
Roland Springer, rspringer@usbr.gov

For Release: May 14, 2015

HEYBURN, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation invites the public and the irrigation community to join in celebration of the new Minidoka Dam Spillway at 10:30 a.m. May 27. Reclamation Commissioner Estevan López, visiting from Washington, D.C., will be the keynote speaker.

The event not only marks completion of a four year construction effort to modernize and straighten the spillway, and replace two irrigation headworks, but also signals a re-opening of recreation areas below the dam to the public.

The ceremony will be held in front of the new control gates on the dam's south side. A dozen large U.S. flags will adorn the control gates during the event.

"The original Minidoka Dam was one of the earliest and most successful dams built by Reclamation. Today, it's a modern structure that will continue to bring prosperity and reliable water supplies to the area," says Jerry Gregg, Snake River Area Manager.

In November 2011, Reclamation began construction of the replacement spillway and two irrigation headworks for the Burley and Minidoka Irrigation Districts. Over the next four years, construction crews straightened out the spillway, added 12 radial control gates and eliminated an aging "stop-log" water control system. Total cost for the construction project is approximately $24 million. The Burley and Minidoka Irrigation Districts funded 42 percent of the cost.

"Our construction division is ready to turn over the keys to our dam operators," says Gregg. "It's a new spillway that's ready for operation for another century." With the completion of the dam, many traditional fishing and wading areas that were closed to the public during construction will now be available. Recreation zones are clearly marked on signs in the public parking area, and dam managers advise the public to be safe.

"The public should be careful walking in the access areas. Be aware of slippery rock surfaces and the potential for water releases from the spillway," said Minidoka Dam Facility Manager Phil Calogero.

For maps to the May 27 event site and recreational access below the spillway visit: http://www.usbr.gov/pn/programs/minidokadam/ .

Minidoka Dam was constructed in 1906 as part of the Minidoka Project, and is operated as one of six storage facilities on the Snake and Henrys Fork rivers. The multipurpose project provides irrigation, power production, flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits.

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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/programs/minidokadam/