Grays Harbor PUD relies heavily on hydroelectric power as its primary energy source, with the Grand Coulee Dam serving as a significant component. Recently, General Manager Schuyler Burkhart and I were invited as members of the Public Power Council to tour the dam and participate in a workshop with other members. The sheer magnitude and engineering of the dam that started construction in 1933 and finished in 1942 left us in awe. To this day, it is the largest concrete structure in North America, with an astounding 12 million cubic yards of concrete used during its construction.
The Grand Coulee Dam showcases an impressive architectural feat and plays a crucial role in hydropower generation, as the largest hydropower producer in the United States, generating an astonishing 21-billion kilowatt-hours of electricity each year. This incredible amount of power can adequately supply approximately two-million households with electricity for an entire year. The electricity generated by the dam is distributed across eight states in the western region, including Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana, parts of California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, and even into Canada.
With an impressive capacity of 7,079 megawatts, the Grand Coulee Dam is vital in the Federal Columbia River Power System. Operated by the Bureau of Reclamation, it is regarded as one of the most important hydro projects globally. Over the years, the dam has undergone upgrades, and during our visit, we learned about future investment plans to continue to upgrade and enhance its efficiency as a leading hydropower generator.
The significance of the Grand Coulee Dam extends beyond its power generation capabilities, as it plays a vital role in irrigation. It provides water to approximately 600,000 acres of land in the surrounding region. Moreover, the dam is a vital part of flood control on the Columbia River.
The Grand Coulee Dam is a remarkable feat of engineering and construction, and plays a crucial role in meeting the power needs of Grays Harbor. Hydroelectricity is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy source, which helps pave the way towards a more sustainable future.
by Jon Martin, District Three Commissioner