EUGENE WATER  &  ELECTRIC  BOARD

The Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project on the upper McKenzie River has served EWEB customers with low-cost and abundant electricity since 1963. Carmen-Smith is our largest utility-owned power source, generating enough power to supply 16,000 homes with electricity.

EWEB is seeking a new, 50-year operating license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. A new license is expected to be issued in 2010.

EWEB signed an agreement in Oct. 2008 with 16 state and federal agencies, Indian tribes, and environmental and recreation groups on the enhancements and other improvements EWEB will undertake as part of its new operating license.

Among other things, the agreement calls for construction of an upstream fish ladder and a downstream fish passage system at Trail Bridge Dam, increasing year-round stream flows in portions of the McKenzie River and the Smith and Carmen bypass reaches above Trail Bridge Reservoir, greatly improving fisheries spawning and rearing habitat throughout the project area, rebuilding the three campgrounds in the area, constructing new day-use sites at all three reservoirs, and protecting important cultural and historical resources.

In all, EWEB has agreed to spend an estimated $135 million on enhancements and mitigation measures related to the hydroelectric project.

Read more about the settlement agreement

Read the Final License Application (FLA)

If you have an interest in being kept informed about the relicensing process, or if you have questions or comments about relicensing, send an e-mail to the relicensing team.

Click on any of the following links to find out more about federal relicensing, hydroelectric power, fish and wildlife issues, and other related topics.