News Release
| Release Number: | 05-155A |
| Dated: | 11/30/2005 |
| Contact: | Heidi Y. Helwig, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore.—Clear Lake Road, which parallels Fern Ridge Dam, will reopen tonight following its six-month closure in conjunction with Fern Ridge Dam repairs.
The road will reopen by 8 p.m. tonight, Nov. 30, marking completion of the effort to remove the dam’s failed internal drainage system by excavating the downstream face of the dam, replacing the drainage system and rebuilding the embankment, said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project manager Mark Dasso.
In May, Barnard Construction of Bozeman, Mont., was awarded the $16.5 million repair contract and worked closely with the Corps to complete the project in one season though repairs of this magnitude can easily extend up to two or more years, Dasso said.
The Corps celebrated the one-season repairs at a dam rededication and ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 29. During the event, Sen. Gordon Smith and Rep. Peter DeFazio praised the Corps for its quick action in preserving the community’s landmark.
Originally completed in 1941 at a cost of $6 million, Fern Ridge Dam has prevented more than $401 million in cumulative flood damages and generates more than $13.6 million in tourism and $2 million in agricultural benefits each year.