The US Bureau of Reclamation has awarded a US$1M contract to Eagle Rock Timber Company for the construction of a machine shop at Palisades dam power plant on the Snake river, about 88.5km southeast of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The primary work involves furnishing and constructing a machine shop addition structure, including structural excavation and structural steel work. The contractor will also remove and relocate a 5t crane presently at the construction site along with other miscellaneous duties related to the task.

‘This project will help ensure the continued safe operation of Palisades dam while also providing a secure area for Reclamation employees,’ said William E. Rinne, Acting Commissioner.

The project is expected to be completed by February 2007. Palisades dam and reservoir is a multi-purpose project constructed in 1957. It provides supplemental water supply to about 271,149ha of irrigated land, and furnishes hydroelectricity in the Upper Snake River Valley for irrigation pumping units, municipalities, rural cooperatives, and other power users.