Project and relicensing highlights
Carmen-Smith 1963 dedication

Owner and operator: Eugene Water & Electric Board

Project completed and dedicated: Sept. 9, 1963 (see photo at right)

Location: 71 miles east of Eugene on the upper McKenzie River

Maximum power output: 118,000 kilowatts, enough electricity to power 16,000 homes

Original construction cost: $31 million

Project facilities: Carmen Diversion Dam and Reservoir, Smith Dam and Reservoir, Trail Bridge Dam and Reservoir; two powerhouses (Carmen and Trail Bridge); three campgrounds (Ice Cap Creek, Lakes End and Trial Bridge); three public boat ramps; salmon spawning channel below Trail Bridge Dam; 11,381-foot water-diversion tunnel; 7,325-foot power tunnel; 19-mile 115-kV transmission line.

Size of water reservoirs: Smith, 170 acres; Trail Bridge, 73 acres; Carmen, 30 acres.

Original operating license issued: Nov. 30, 1958

Current license expires: Nov. 30, 2008

Length of new operating license requested: 50 years

Estimated cost of relicensing:

Item Estimated Cost
Environmental measures/plans $10,090,000
Environmental facilities $76,910,000
Project and longevity improvements $48,510,000
Estimated total project expenditures* $135,510,000

*Results in nominal dollars with an inflation rate assumption of 3 percent.

Estimated cost of fish ladder and other environmental enhancements: $87 million

Estimated impact on electric rates: 5 to 7 percent, beginning in 2012