Excerpted from the latest article by Herald and News, published on April 25th, 2019.
The largest dam removal project in U.S. history just took one more step forward with the Klamath River Renewal Corporation selecting Kiewit Infrastructure West Co. of Fairfield, Calif. to remove the four hydroelectric dams. The Klamath Dams were named in CalTrout’s Top 5 California Dams Out report as ripe for removal in order to restore ecosystem, economic, and cultural health in the Klamath Basin.
The entire dam removal project is estimated at $450 million. It expects to employ 400 full- or part-time workers through contracts, subcontracts and direct hiring. If federal approval of the operating license transfer for the dams from PacifiCorp to the KRRC takes place, the project is expected to start in 2021.
Selecting Kiewit marks another key achievement and brings KRRC closer to completing the largest dam removal and river restoration project in U.S. history. This contract will help demonstrate KRRC’s capacity to undertake the project consistent with a license transfer application pending before the FERC,” said Mark Bransom, KRRC Chief Executive Officer
Kiewit has extensive experience in major construction projects, most recently the emergency reconstruction of the Oroville Dam spillways, which involved removal and repair of both the main flood control and emergency spillways in less than 18 months as well extensive debris and sediment removal, development of access roads and other work.
“We are very proud to have been selected by KRRC. This project has many similarities to other complex water and hydroelectric projects we’ve delivered across North America,” said Jamie Wisenbaker, senior vice president, Kiewit Infrastructure West Co.
“We fully understand the breadth and importance of this undertaking and are excited and committed to safely delivering a high-quality project that meets the expectations of KRRC, the community and all key stakeholders in the region. We look forward to partnering with KRRC and getting started.”
