50 Years of the Middle Fork American River Project

Auburn, Calif.- A half century ago Placer County Water Agency leaders finalized documents that led to construction of the Middle Fork American River Hydroelectric Project.  Their foresight ensured development of a new water supply for Placer County.

The construction was funded through a revenue bond with debt service, operations and maintenance costs funded by the sale of electricity generated by the Project.

The public is invited to attend on Thursday (May 2) at 4 p.m., a special PCWA Board meeting to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the construction of the Agency’s Project.  

Thursday’s theme “Placer County Water Agency Fulfills Dreams of 50 Years,” will include comments on the past, present and future of the Middle Fork Project.

The Project’s construction began in the spring of 1963 and was completed in 1967.  It includes two major reservoirs, five hydroelectric power plants, tunnels, penstocks, and a variety of related facilities.  The Project represents one of the first large water projects developed completely within a county’s own watershed that captures and stores its own “area of origin” water supply.

The May 2, 4 p.m., commemorative event will be held in the American River Room of the PCWA Business Center, 144 Ferguson Road, in Auburn.  (It follows the 2 p.m. regular meeting of the PCWA Board of Directors.)

More information on this event may be obtained through the Clerk to the Board at (530) 823-4850 or (800) 464-0030.