News Release Archive

Reclamation Awards $19 Million Contract for Pump-Generating Plant Upgrades at Grand Coulee Dam

Media Contact: Michael Williamson, (208) 378-5212, mwilliamson@usbr.gov
Lynne Brougher, lbrougher@usbr.gov

For Release: August 22, 2016

BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $19 million contract on August 11 to American Hydro of York, Pennsylvania. The contract calls for replacing and updating equipment for pump generating units 5 and 6 at the John W. Keys III Pump Generating Plant.

"This effort is pivotal to the infrastructure modernization at the Keys Plant. The pump units will provide greater efficiency, flexibility and capacity in hydropower production and water delivery," said Reclamation Commissioner Estevan López.

The plant, located 90 miles west of Spokane, Washington, is part of the Grand Coulee Dam Power Complex. A multi-purpose project, it provides flood control, irrigation, hydropower production, recreation, stream flows, and fish and wildlife benefits.

Construction will take place over the next two years while accommodating for irrigation demand. It is scheduled to be finished by January 2020.

This overhaul work continues a 20-year modernization effort at the plant. The project is funded through Bonneville Power Administration, South Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Quincy Columbia Basin Irrigation District, East Columbia Basin Irrigation District and Congressional appropriations.

American Hydro is a leading supplier and installer of large equipment for the hydroelectric and water distribution industries, specializing in design, manufacture, upgrades and servicing of high performance hydro-turbines and pumps.

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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.