Bureau of Reclamation News: Contract To Build Fish Passage Facility At Grand Valley Project Diversion Dam Big Step Toward Restoring Endangered Fish Access Blocked Since 1917

Upper Colorado Region
Salt Lake City, Utah

Media Contact:

Justyn Hock
(970) 248-0625

Released On: September 25, 2003

Contract To Build Fish Passage Facility At Grand Valley Project Diversion Dam Big Step Toward Restoring Endangered Fish Access Blocked Since 1917

Kissner G.C., Inc., located in Cedaredge, CO is the recipient of a $4.5 million contract with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to construct a concrete-lined passage facility for endangered and other fish at the Grand Valley Project Diversion Dam on the Colorado River in Debeque Canyon.

The fish passage will give the endangered Colorado pikeminnow, razorback sucker, and bonytail access to critical habitat that has been blocked since the 14-foot-high diversion dam was completed in 1917. The Upper Colorado River Endangered Fish Recovery Program has identified this habitat as needed to establish self-sustaining populations of the endangered fishes in the Upper Colorado River Basin. Fish passage will also benefit other native fish species.

Fish passages are already in place at the Redlands Diversion Dam on the Gunnison River and the Grand Valley Irrigation Company Diversion Dam on the Colorado River.

Kissner G. C., Inc is responsible for the construction of the fish passage. Construction is slated to begin September with completion scheduled for July 2004. For more information, contact Justyn Hock at 970-248-0625.

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Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits. Visit our website at www.usbr.gov.