In the remote and isolated town of Sitka, Alaska, with no connection to a mainland power grid and escalating imported fuel costs, residents decided to raise the Blue Lake Dam to supply 100% of the town’s energy needs and reduce its dependence on outside energy providers.
Partnering with Barnard Construction Company in Bozeman, Montana, the $92 million project involved raising the 145-foot concrete arch dam by 83 feet and constructing a new 15.9 megawatt, 12,835 square foot powerhouse.
Despite inclement weather and challenging terrain, the project was completed on time and under budget while the dam and previous powerhouse remained in service, ensuring uninterrupted power for the island.
