History
These facilities were built and are operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Transmission lines were constructed and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation until October 1, 1977, when they were transferred to the Western Area Power Administration, Department of Energy
Funds for construction of the initial features of the Central Valley Project were provided by the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 (49 Stat. 115). The Secretary of the Interior authorized the project and the President approved it on December 2, 1935.
The Shasta and Trinity River Division was authorized by Public Law 386, 84th Congress, 1st Session, approved August 12, 1955.
The Central Valley Project, one of the Nation`s major water conservation developments, extends from the Cascade Range on the north to the semiarid but fertile plains along the Kern River on the south. Initial features of the project were built primarily to protect the Central Valley from crippling water shortages and menacing floods. New project units were built to provide water and power to match the continued growth of the State.
Although developed primarily for irrigation, this multiple-purpose project also provides flood control, improves Sacramento River navigation, supplies domestic and industrial water, generates electric power, conserves fish and wildlife, creates opportunities for recreation, and enhances water quality.
The Trinity River Division consists of Trinity Dam and Clair Engle Lake, Trinity Powerplant, Lewiston Dam and Lake, Lewiston Powerplant, Clear Creek Tunnel, Judge Francis Carr Powerhouse, Whiskeytown Dam and Lake, Spring Creek Tunnel and Powerplant, Spring Creek Debris Dam and Reservoir, and related pumping and distribution facilities.
Plan
Trinity Powerplant is a peaking plant. The power generated is dedicated first to meeting the requirements of the project facilities. The remaining energy is marketed to various preference customers in northern California. These facilities were built and are operated by the Bureau of Reclamation. Transmission lines were constructed and operated by the Bureau of Reclamation until October 1, 1977, when they were transferred to the Western Area Power Administration, Department of Energy Normal operations. Primary reservoir releases are made through the powerplant. Trinity County has first preference to the power benefit to the Central Valley Project from Trinity Powerplant. Western Electricity Coordinating Council, California-So. Nevada Power Area Western Area Power Administration, Sierra Nevada Region Conventional Above Grounc Francis 100,000 kW 140,000 kW 1964 43 years 358,974,000 kWh 2007 426 ft Trinity Dam is a zoned earthfill structure 538 feet high and 40 feet wide at the crest. The crest is 2,600 feet long.