California Construction News staff writer
A joint venture of FlatironDragados and Sukut Construction has been selected to deliver a $1.9 billion seismic retrofit of Anderson Dam, a major water infrastructure project in Northern California.
The Santa Clara Valley Water District, known as Valley Water, selected the joint venture through a best-value procurement process and has issued a notice to proceed with construction.
The project will rebuild major portions of Anderson Dam to bring the facility up to modern seismic safety standards. Construction is expected to begin in early 2027.
Work will include reconstructing the dam embankment and spillway, installing new outlet infrastructure and completing related roadway, utility and environmental improvements.
Anderson Reservoir is Santa Clara County’s largest surface reservoir and provides water supply and groundwater recharge, as well as incidental flood protection, for nearly two million residents.
Valley Water lowered the reservoir to about 3% of its capacity in 2020 because of concerns about the dam’s ability to withstand a major earthquake.
Once the retrofit is complete, the strengthened dam will allow the reservoir to return to normal operating levels.
“This project is a critical investment in the long-term prosperity of this community,” said Richard Grabinski, president of FD USA. “We are honored to continue our partnership with Valley Water and bring the full capabilities of FlatironDragados and Sukut to this landmark project.”
The joint venture brings experience in large dam and water infrastructure projects. Key personnel on the team previously worked on the Calaveras Dam and Isabella Lake Dam projects in California. Both projects received the United States Society on Dams’ Excellence in Constructed Project Award.
The retrofit also builds on FlatironDragados’ ongoing work at Anderson Dam.
The company is nearing completion of the Anderson Dam Tunnel, which it is delivering as the prime contractor. Construction on the 1,700-foot-long, 24-foot-diameter tunnel began in 2021.
The tunnel will serve as a permanent low-level outlet for Anderson Reservoir, giving Valley Water greater control over reservoir levels and providing infrastructure needed for the seismic retrofit.
“Together with Sukut, we will bring the technical expertise and local knowledge needed to safely rebuild Anderson Dam, strengthen this critical resource for generations to come,” said Mike Costa, senior vice-president of FlatironDragados.
The Anderson Dam project is part of Valley Water’s broader efforts to improve the safety and reliability of its water infrastructure in Santa Clara County.
