MARYSVILLE, Calif. (May 12, 2026) – Yuba Water Agency has awarded a contract to GFT Inc. for engineering and design services related to the penstock that ruptured above New Colgate Powerhouse in February.
The penstock is the large pipe that moves water between New Bullards Bar Dam and Reservoir and New Colgate Powerhouse to generate hydropower.
An initial contract of nearly $2 million will cover a thorough condition assessment of the penstock, as well as an alternatives analysis. An estimated additional $6 million will cover detailed engineering design and support during future construction. Additional costs and a repair schedule will depend heavily on the results of the condition assessment and the forensics investigation, which is currently underway.
“While this contract does not cover the actual construction of the repaired penstock, it does position us to move quickly once we have the results from the forensic investigation,” said Bryan Perrin, Yuba Water’s project manager overseeing this work. “Our goal is to take what we learn from the investigation, develop engineering design plans and award a future construction contract to rebuild the penstock and get us back in business.”
Yuba Water continues to make progress on several other restoration efforts. Ongoing work includes investigating the cause of the rupture, rebuilding Lake Francis Road, stabilizing the hillside, removing debris and sediment near the powerhouse and much more.
Learn more at engage.yubawater.org.