The first phase of the contract covers construction of a pumping plant capable of handling flows up to 4.2m3/sec to ensure that the project's owners, Grants Pass Irrigation District, can continue service to its patrons on both sides of the river once Savage Rapids dam is breached.
A second phase of the contract, which will be awarded once the remaining construction easement is acquired, will cover construction of a pipe bridge designed to carry a portion of the district's water across the river. This will be followed by removal of a major portion of the dam.
'Reclamation looks forward to assisting the Grants Pass Irrigation District with permanently resolving fish passage problems at Savage Rapids dam while ensuring a continued water supply for district patrons' said Acting Commissioner Bill Rinne.
The US President's fiscal year 2007 budget request included US$13M in funding for the project. The funding has been approved by the House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee. Action in the Senate is pending.
The entire project, including dam removal, is scheduled to be completed by 19 December 2009.
