June 24, 2009

Arrowrock Power Project nears completion

By Nate Knife - nknife@idahostatesman.com

The Arrowrock Power Project edged nearer to completion as helicopters flew in 93 power poles between yesterday morning and today in order to carry power from the 15-megawatt hydroelectric power plant at Arrowrock Dam, about 15 miles east of Boise.

"This is the end of a 20-year endeavor," said Project Manager Paul Deveau. "It took a long time to get this put together, but it will definitely be worth it."

The power lines will carry electricity to the northwest power grid, which serves much of the Pacific Northwest on a basis of need. The project, funded by the Boise Project through the sale of municipal bonds, features a hydroelectric power plant with two 7.5-megawatt generators with a maximum combined output of 18-megawatts. The project is expected to meet full completion in 2010.