Thompson Falls Hydro Plant

Located on an island in the Clark Fork River, Thompson Falls Hydroelectric project, a $28.4 million 50-megawatt powerhouse, was built by a joint venture led by Kiewit Western Co., a subsidiary of Kiewit Corporation. The powerhouse was constructed adjacent to an existing hydroelectric power plant and two dams previously constructed during the early 1900s.

Project personnel were responsible for civil, mechanical and electrical design, as well as all phases of construction for this design-build project. Partnering sessions were sponsored by the joint-venture team to allow project participants to focus on common goals.

Powerhouse construction required 330,000 cu. yd. of excavated rock and placement of 31,000 cu. yd. of concrete. A professional approach, resourcefulness and innovation in addressing obstacles helped crews bring the plant into commercial operation on-time and within budget.