ALSTOM Power, Inc., of Littleton, Colorado, was awarded the contract on November 23.

"This work will ensure the safe and continued operation of one of the nation's most valuable hydroelectric power producers," Commissioner John Keys said.

The winding and core will be delivered to the dam by the end of 2005 and stored until needed as replacements in any of the 18 original generators at Grand Coulee. The contract with ALSTOM Power also includes an option for purchasing additional spares and installation for a period of five years.

Grand Coulee Dam is the largest hydroelectric plant in North America with a generating capacity of more than 6,800,000 kilowatts. Located on the Columbia River, it serves as the centerpiece of Reclamation's Columbia Basin Project, providing irrigation water for more than 600,000 acres of agricultural land.