MARYSVILLE, Calif. (March 19, 2026) – Teichert Construction will build the Nature-like Fishway around Daguerre Point Dam on the lower Yuba River, a multi-benefit project among Yuba Water Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the National Marine Fisheries Service.
“Even as we pump the brakes on other spending while we recover from the recent penstock incident, it’s important that we continue moving forward with projects that deliver long-term benefits for the Yuba River and the communities that depend on it,” said Yuba Water General Manager Willie Whittlesey. “This project builds on years of collaboration and investment to improve fish passage while maintaining reliable water deliveries for local agriculture. Delaying it would risk losing critical funding and the momentum we’ve built, and it would have real consequences for both fisheries and the agricultural community in Yuba County.”
The Nature-like Fishway is a channel resembling a natural river that salmon, steelhead, sturgeon and lamprey can follow to get around the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Daguerre Point Dam to reach more than 10 miles of healthy, cool-water spawning habitat in the lower Yuba River. In addition to restoring safe fish passage, the fishway includes a modernized water diversion in the channel that will protect fish while ensuring irrigators continue to have access to the surface water needed to maintain South Yuba County’s agricultural economy, a major economic engine in Yuba County and for agriculture statewide.
An initial $1.42 million will support final design and pre-construction services, with total construction costs to be determined once design is complete. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has committed $30 million to support Yuba Water in funding the project.
Procurement for this contract is being managed through the Yuba Water Construction Authority, a joint powers authority between Yuba Water Agency and Yuba County. The authority allows Yuba Water to use a “construction manager at-risk” procurement approach for certain projects.
Under this method, a construction manager is brought in during the project design to help plan the project, coordinate contractors and propose a guaranteed maximum price, reducing costs while improving efficiency.
Continued progress following penstock incident
During the meeting, Yuba Water also provided an update on recovery efforts following the Feb. 13 rupture of its penstock pipe above New Colgate Powerhouse. Crews have completed the cleanup of oily debris at Englebright Reservoir, which is now reopened for recreation. Additionally, truck access is now restored down Lake Francis Road, allowing teams to access the powerhouse, where they have begun sediment removal and restoration work. Yuba Water staff continue coordinating closely with state and federal regulators as recovery work moves forward.
Follow Yuba Water’s recovery efforts at engage.yubawater.org.