HEYBURN, Idaho - The Bureau of Reclamation will begin repair work on the maintenance bridge and habitat improvement in the area located below Minidoka Dam in early September. Work will last for approximately 10 days starting on Sept. 10, 2017.
To mitigate for habitat lost during construction of the new spillway, Reclamation will create a side channel to provide for additional riparian habitat. The work will occur on the south side of the spillway near the road accessing the south side of the reservoir. The area will be excavated so that water can reach a side channel riparian slough, allowing for development of riparian habitat.
The area in the general vicinity will be closed during construction for public safety; however, access to the popular Bishops Hole area will be open.
Minidoka Dam was constructed between 1904 and 1909, making it one of Reclamation’s oldest facilities. The dam is a combined diversion, storage, and power structure located just south of Minidoka, Idaho.
Reclamation asks the public to respect signage and contractor barriers during the construction period.
Source: Bureau of Reclamation
