MARYSVILLE, Calif. (Sept. 2, 2026) – Yuba Water Agency has awarded a $13.9 million contract to Hat Creek Construction & Materials, Inc. for hillslope and soil stabilization around the agency’s penstock pipe and New Colgate Powerhouse in the Yuba County foothills.
The work is part of Yuba Water’s ongoing recovery efforts following the rupture of its penstock earlier this year, which sent water flowing down the hillside, causing significant erosion to the hillside around the penstock. A penstock is a large diameter pipe that moves water from New Bullards Bar Dam to New Colgate Powerhouse to generate power. The contract includes placing slope and soil stabilization materials, adding a rock buttress on the east side of the penstock to prevent further damage to the hillside and building detention basins to manage runoff from rain.
“This project is an important step in stabilizing the soil and slopes around our penstock and protecting our facilities and the river from additional sediment and runoff ahead of the rainy season,” said Yuba Water Senior Engineer Matt Murray.
Construction is set to begin in September and will continue as long as weather permits. Yuba Water is covering the ongoing cost of repairs through its financial reserves. Yuba Water does not receive local tax revenue and does not have residential ratepayers.
Visit engage.yubawater.org to learn more about Yuba Water’s Colgate Powerhouse and Infrastructure Restoration Project.