News Release Archive

Reclamation seeks public input on proposed maintenance construction project at American Falls Dam

Media Contact: Erika Lopez, (208) 378-5101, 11/21/2018 08:33

For Release: November 21, 2018

American Falls Dam, Power County, Idaho, viewed from downstream with spillway visible at right below the railroad bridgeHEYBURN, Idaho – The Bureau of Reclamation is proposing to perform maintenance on and rehabilitation of components of the spillway at American Falls Dam, which is located in Power County in the town of American Falls. The environmental assessment will examine the potential effects of the proposed actions. Reclamation is seeking comments from the public to better identify issues and concerns regarding the proposed actions.

The proposed construction activities would address the need for replacement and repair of deteriorating concrete on the spillway, spillway gate operator decks, downstream dam face, and stilling basin structures, which have experienced degradation over 40 years in service. Construction activities would consist of the cutting, removal, and replacement of existing damaged concrete and reinforcing on these components, and replacement or modification of an existing drain grate in the stilling basin.

Federal actions must be analyzed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and other relevant Federal and State laws and regulations to determine potential environmental consequences.

Individuals with questions about this proposal or who wish to receive a preliminary information package may contact Amy Goodrich, Bureau of Reclamation Natural Resource Specialist, at 208-383-2250 or via email at sra-nepa-comments@usbr.gov. Written comments should be addressed to sra-nepa-comments@usbr.gov and must be received by Dec. 21, 2018.

American Falls Dam, originally completed in 1928, is a component of the Minidoka Project, which is located on the Snake River. In 1978, the dam was reconstructed and replaced under the authority of Reclamation’s Safety of Dams Act. For additional information about the dam, visit https://www.usbr.gov/projects/index.php?id=24.

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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.