For information, contact:
David Eskelsen 801-220-2447
Media Hotline 800-775-7950
Nov. 1, 2005
Habitat enhancement funds available for Bear River watershed
GRACE, Idaho—PacifiCorp announced the availability of funds for individuals or
groups interested in habitat enhancement projects benefiting fisheries and aquatic
resources in the Bear River watershed in Idaho below Bear Lake. These mitigation funds
are part of habitat enhancements available through PacifiCorp’s federal license for its
three hydroelectric projects on the Bear River in Idaho.
In conjunction with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license for the
hydroelectric projects, PacifiCorp organized its Bear River Environmental Coordination
Committee from stakeholders involved in the licensing process. One of the duties of the
committee is to administer these funds. The committee will evaluate proposals to which
funds may be granted.
Applications and guidelines for project funding are available through PacifiCorp’s
internet web site (http://www.pacificorp.com/File/File49034.pdf) or by calling (208) 5477305. The funds are available for actions in the watershed below Bear Lake in Idaho that
enhance fisheries habitat and other aquatic resources. Criteria used by the committee to
rank and award funding are on the web site. This is the second year in which mitigation
funding has been offered for this purpose.
“We’re pleased to be continuing our long-term vision for the Bear River Project,” said
Monte Garrett, PacifiCorp Implementation Program Manager. “We are hoping to receive
some creative and beneficial proposals through this process.”
Last year, projects included acquisition of land or conservation easements, fish passage
project past irrigation diversions, and habitat restoration and protection of riparian areas
adjacent to the Bear River.
PacifiCorp would like to receive applications by January 6, 2006 so that the Committee
may begin reviewing proposals and awarding funding.
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Bear River funds 2-2-2
Bear River Project details:

The Soda Project, 14 megawatts, located 44 miles downstream of Bear Lake,
completed in 1925. The Soda dam is 103 feet high and 433 feet long. The Soda
reservoir has a surface area of 1,100 acres, and active storage capacity of 16,300
acre-feet, and a maximum water surface elevation of 5,720 feet.

The Grace Project, 33 megawatts, located six miles downstream of the Soda
Project, completed in 1912 and enlarged several times through 1927. The Grace
Project features a diversion dam 51 feet high and 180-foot-long, and a 26,000-footlong flow-line to carry water to the power house.

The Oneida Project, 30 megawatts, 22 miles downstream of the Grace Project,
built in stages between 1912 and 1920. The project dam is 111 feet high and 456
feet long; the reservoir has an active storage of 10,880 acre-feet and a surface area
of 480 acres.

The Cutler Project, 29 megawatts, Cache County, Utah, first began producing
power in 1927. The 109 foot-high Cutler Dam forms a 5,500 acre reservoir which
is also a major recreation area. The reservoir includes a large wetland complex that
is important habitat for dozens of bird species. The area surrounding the reservoir
is mostly agricultural land. Cutler was granted a new license by the FERC in April
1994, so its license terms are different than those of the Idaho projects.
About PacifiCorp
PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States,
providing more than 1.5 million customers with reliable, efficient energy. The
company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the
environment. PacifiCorp has more than 8,400 megawatts of generation capacity from
coal, hydro, renewable wind power, gas-fired combustion turbines and geothermal
sources. PacifiCorp operates as Pacific Power in Oregon, Wyoming, Washington and
California; and as Utah Power in Utah and Idaho
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