GREAT FALLS, MT. - Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg, today praised the groundbreaking of PPL's $230 million upgrade of Rainbow Dam, six miles northeast of Great Falls. The 2 ½ year construction project will employ about 200 people and improve energy output and fish migration at the 99-year old dam.

"I commend PPL's efforts to improve Rainbow Dam by increasing its generating capacity and improving conditions for migrating fish," stated Rehberg, a member of the House Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee. "In addition to responsibly developing our hydroelectric resources, projects like this provide much-needed jobs, and infrastructure provides long-term economic growth."

When completed, Rainbow dam will produce 64 megawatts of electricity from a single turbine, housed in a new powerhouse to be built 200 feet downstream from the existing powerhouse, which contains eight turbines that produce 34 megawatts. PPL officials believe fish mortality rates through the upgraded project will improve by 95 percent.

"For years, I've advocated for comprehensive energy reforms that promote the use of hydroelectric power and other renewable forms of energy, including wind, geothermal and solar," Rehberg stated in his letter read during the project's ground-breaking on Thursday. "As a member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I'll continue to encourage the development of Montana's energy industry."

LETTER:

October 15, 2009

Rainbow Dam

PPL Montana

336 Rainbow Dam Road

Great Falls, Montana 59404

Dear Friends:

It's a privilege to send my greetings as PPL Montana breaks ground on its Rainbow Dam upgrade project.

I commend PPL's efforts to improve Rainbow Dam by increasing its generating capacity and improving conditions for migrating fish. In addition to responsibly developing our hydroelectric resources, projects like this provide much-needed jobs and infrastructure for future generations of Montanans.

Clean energy affords practical ways for Montana families, communities and utilities to save money by becoming more energy-efficient. For years, I've advocated for comprehensive energy reforms that promote the use of hydroelectric power and other renewable forms of energy, including wind, geothermal and solar. As a member of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, I'll continue to encourage the development of Montana's energy industry.

I look forward to congratulating you upon completion of this exciting project, and please don't hesitate to contact my office if I can ever be of assistance.

Sincerely,

Denny Rehberg

Montana's Congressman