Bureau of Reclamation: Reclamation Awards $5 Million Contract for Hungry Horse Dam and Powerplant

Pacific Northwest Region
Boise, Idaho

Media Contact:

John Redding
(208) 378-5212

Luis Saldamando
(406) 387-5241 ext. 322

Released On: January 14, 2009

Reclamation Awards $5 Million Contract for Hungry Horse Dam and Powerplant

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $5 million contract to furnish and install unit circuit breakers at Hungry Horse Dam and Powerplant, located on the south fork of Flathead River about 20 miles northeast of Kalispell, Mont.

The contract, awarded December 31, 2008, to Gardner Zemke Co. of Albuquerque, N.M., involves the removal and disposal of four existing unit circuit breakers and the installation of four unit breakers, grounding switches, control wiring to boards, and new terminal boxes.

"This work is vital to maintaining the efficiency and safe operation of the powerplant," said Acting Commissioner Bill McDonald. "The work will ensure that Hungry Horse Dam continues to supply the hydroelectric power that is so essential to the Pacific Northwest."

The work is expected to start in September 2009, with completion in January 2010.

Hungry Horse Dam is a 564-foot high concrete structure that was completed in 1953. It is a multipurpose project that provides flood control, hydroelectricity, and year-round recreational opportunities on and near the reservoir. The dam houses four generating units that were uprated and overhauled between 1990-1993. This increased the capacity of each unit from 71,250 kW to 107,000 kW.

# # #

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.