GIBSON DAM PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION 

Gibson Dam Hydroelectric Company, LLC (GDHC, Applicant), of Bellingham, Washington, holds a Preliminary Permit (Permit) from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in Washington D.C. to develop the Project on the Sun River at or near the existing Gibson Dam near Augusta, Montana. The Permit, specifying a 15 megawatt (MW) generating capacity project, was issued on April 20, 2004 and expired on March 31, 2007. A second Permit was issued on August 6, 2007 and expires on August 1, 2010. The Permit was issued for the purpose of allowing the Applicant protection under the Federal Power Act (FPA) from competitive applications while conducting the studies and processes necessary to complete a FERC application for license. 

The Project would be located approximately 20 miles northwest of Augusta, Montana. The Project would consist of a powerhouse, substation and switchgear, and transmission line, as described in the Gibson Dam Project Description presented in the major licensing documents to date. 

The Project would utilize the existing outlet works from Gibson Dam to deliver water to the turbines located inside the powerhouse. See video 1 and video 2 of the existing outlet works.

A conceptual rendering of the powerhouse is available showing the proposed powerhouse site after completion.

A conceptual rendering of the maintenance building is available showing the the proposed maintenance building and shop located adjacent to Reclamation's shop.