Dam security force looking at upgrades, seeks comments from public

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is open to receiving any questions, comments, or concerns regarding security upgrades they are planning on making at the Grand Coulee Dam and related facilities. 

The bureau has identified eight areas where it says security upgrades are needed, from new or upgraded gates and fences to a new security department office.

The bureau "invites the public to identify issues or alternatives for consideration in the development of an environmental assessment for the Grand Coulee Security Response Force Upgrades project," an Aug. 15 press release from the USBR states, noting that the public comment period is open from Aug.15-29.

"Comprehensive security assessments of Grand Coulee Dam facilities identified the need to upgrade various components to meet current security requirements," the press release states. "The proposed action is needed to comply with Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation security requirements, modernize physical security components, minimize security risk to employees and facilities, and improve security department administrative operations and Security Response Force capabilities.

"The purpose of the proposed project is to (1) update existing security components that have reached their expected service life or do not conform with current security requirements; (2) create an integrated, hardened, physical perimeter around security assets and facilities; (3) consolidate security department administrative operations and access control offices; and (4) upgrade and enhance the SRF training facilities.

"Reclamation proposes to relocate and install new guard stations, create improved inspection areas, establish additional or improved security cameras and lighting, and replace or install security gates, fences, and intrusion detection systems. Reclamation also proposes construction of new buildings, installation of utilities, and access road improvements."

There is currently no cost estimate for the project, but it includes a new security department office at Roosevelt Way and Marina Way and a new building for the Security Response Force Training Center, Public Affairs Specialist Erika Lopez told The Star in a Tuesday email. "Both buildings would be located on Reclamation land and require connection to existing utilities including water, sewer, and IT network. The training center includes offices, classrooms, restrooms, conference and locker rooms, and an area to accommodate the ability to reconfigure walls for training."

Lopez said access road improvements would include the paving or repaving of a gravel road to the training center. The current training center is on the hillside east of the city of Coulee Dam in the old "Brett Pit," once mined for sand and gravel during construction of the dam.

USBR Natural Resource Specialist Jason Sutter told The Star that the proposed projects are currently in the "scoping" period, and that around January of 2023, a larger Environmental Assessment will be available for the public to view. 

He acknowledged that due to the overall project being related to security, not all details would be available to the public. He said the agency would release all details they are able to.

The proposed projects won't restrict access to Marina Way or any other bureau-owned roads that the public can currently access, he said.

The construction on the projects could begin in 2024, he explained, and continue over several more years as funding becomes available for various work to be done.

Sutter said that the USBR is working with local tribes, park services, and other government entities through the process. 

The public can "provide input through a web-based, virtual public meeting room website" 24 hours a day at http://www.virtualpublicmeeting.com/grand-coulee-srf-ea-scoping where "virtual meeting visitors can view public meeting materials, pose questions, view answers, and submit comments," the release states.

Comments can also be submitted through email to BOR-SHA-CPNGCSRF@usbr.gov while written comments can be sent, postmarked by Aug. 29, to Jason Sutter, natural resource specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, Columbia–Pacific Northwest Region, 1150 N. Curtis Road, Boise, ID 83706.

The Star is working on finding more information regarding details of the project, and would also like to know any comments or questions readers might like addressed in future articles. Those comments and questions can be emailed to star@grandcoulee.com.