Gold Ray Dam Removal

The Gold Ray Dam Removal and River Restoration is a design-build project that included the removal of two dams, a powerhouse, and associated fish ladders. Removal of the Gold Ray Dams represents one of the largest dam removals ever undertaken in the United States. The concrete dam is 38 feet tall by 360 feet long and was constructed in 1941 just downstream of the original 1904 timber cribbed dam which was installed to divert water into the hydroelectric power generating plant that was decommissioned in 1972. The dam and powerhouse were given to Jackson County by the utility company in 1972 for recreational use. Economic Stimulus funds (2009 ARRA) allocated $5.5 million through NOAA – NMFS to design/acquire the required permits, remove the two dams, perform short-term restorations, and design the long-term restoration plan for this reach of the river.

Onsite work consisted of the diverting 3,000 cfs Rogue River flows by constructing native river alluvium, earth fill, cofferdams in the river, demolition of the 1941 concrete dam, demolition of the 1904 timber crib dam (both were run of the river dams), demolition of the powerhouse, its forebay, turbine pit, fish ladders and fish counting station. Special consideration was given during the demolition, to the historical value of the power generation equipment and a site was developed as a visitor’s interpretive area where select equipment was relocated for display near the old powerhouse. Upon successful removal of the dam and its facilities, work commenced on final grading and earthwork within the ordinary high-water limits and the restoration of 1,000 feet of river channel, banks, and riffles on Bear Creek, located near the head of the old reservoir pool.

Total Project Value: $6.1 million

Slayden Construction Role: Design-Build General Contractor

Owner: Jackson County

Management Skills that Help Reduce Costs

"We have been impressed with their management skills, starting with preconstruction where they performed value engineering that reduced costs, lead procurement with detailed bid packages that brought our project qualified subcontractors and manufacturers and produced a schedule that would get our project completed on time. Slayden has continued this into the construction phase by managing the work to stay on schedule."

Randy Rosane, P.E., Project Manager with Water Environmental Services

Positive and Goal-Driven

"Slayden’s positive approach and eagerness to achieve the project goals was a tremendous benefit and a driving force to the project and its success. Slayden achieved all minority, woman, and emerging small business subcontracting goals and also met the 20% Workforce Training and Hiring Program’s apprenticeship requirements. They also held their subcontractors to these same goals and requirements."

Michelle Lostra, P.E., City of Portland, Water Bureau

Strong Communication and Community Outreach

"I feel confident in recommending Slayden for their approach to neighborhood outreach and desire to work with our community outreach and communications team to help keep neighbors informed, resolve issues and mitigate issues."

Katy Fulton, Lake Oswego – Tigard Water Partnership

Efficient and Safe

"I enjoyed their management style, which was efficient while paying attention to cost. This was done without sacrificing safety. I would welcome the chance to work with them in the future."

Daniel G Shepard, Manager, Grants Pass Irrigation District

Positive Relationship Builders

"Slayden has met all conditions of approval and does a great job of keeping the neighborhood informed. Slayden works diligently to accommodate the neighboring citizens. In several cases, Slayden has gone above and beyond the conditions of approval in an effort to solve citizen’s issues. This has led to the development of relationships between the project team and the neighborhood, which have contributed to the project in a positive manner."

Thomas Lebo, Construction Manager, Brown and Caldwell

Respectful, Courteous, and Safe

"Slayden Construction is true to their word, without a doubt I would hire them for future projects. All of the employees that worked at the plant were respectful, courteous, and preformed the duties at hand in a safe manner. I can’t say enough good things about Slayden, as you can see in this evaluation. Surround yourself with good people and it makes you look good. And it doesn’t get any better than Slayden Construction."