California Construction News staff writer
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded a $93 million construction contract to NW Construction, Inc. for a key fish passage project on the San Joaquin River, marking a major step forward in efforts to restore native salmon populations and meet federal environmental requirements.
The Arroyo Canal Fish Screen and Sack Dam Fish Bypass Project is part of the broader San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement, established in 2006 and enacted by Congress in 2009. The agreement aims to improve river flows and fish passage while maintaining water deliveries to Central Valley farms.
“The Settlement and Settlement Act represent a positive partnership between water users, environmental groups, the federal government, and the State of California,” said Acting Commissioner David Palumbo. “We look forward to these relationships advancing the cause of multi-benefit programs on the San Joaquin River and beyond.”
Sack Dam, a small diversion structure near Dos Palos, currently blocks migrating salmon from accessing upstream habitats. The project will construct a fish bypass channel around the dam and install a fish screen at the Arroyo Canal diversion to prevent salmon from straying into irrigation infrastructure.
“This project will allow spring-run Chinook salmon and other salmonids to access upstream sections of the river to complete their lifecycle, while still allowing water users to continue lawful diversions,” said Donald Portz, program manager for the San Joaquin River Restoration Program.
Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and is expected to take about three years to complete.
The project supports the return of anadromous fish species to the San Joaquin River and is a key component of a long-term plan to balance environmental restoration with agricultural water needs.
More information about the San Joaquin River Restoration Program is available at www.restoresjr.net.
