Corps will replace lock gate at Lower Monumental

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will replace the downstream navigation lock gate at Lower Monumental Dam, near Kahlotus, following an infusion of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

In recent years, inspections of the gate revealed structural fatigue and required annual welding repairs to continue reliable operations. The repairs are projected to cost over $10 million.

A Corps of Engineers’ press release said replacing the gate will employ an estimated 523 people. The project includes fabrication and construction work.

Fabrication of the gate is estimated to take seven to 10 months. Corps project managers anticipate installation of the new gate will take between 13 and 16 weeks late in 2010 to early 2011.

Last year, more than 1,000 recreational and commercial vessels were locked through the dam. Almost 2.2 million tons of commodities passed through the lock last year.

The Corps’ Walla Walla District will fund about $48 million worth of projects, employing an estimated 1,888 people with direct and indirect jobs, over the next two years. About $28 million of those projects will occur in Washington.