Susitna project seeks independent estimate

The Alaska Energy Authority is seeking a suitably qualified contractor who can develop an independent preliminary cost estimate for the construction of a hydroelectric dam at Watana on the Susitna River. The idea is to validate and identify any assumptions that may need further analysis in the authority’s own cost estimates for the hydro project. The contractor will be expected to prepare a cost estimate using information and assumptions provided by the authority and, hence, to identify potential cost issues or any assumptions requiring additional analysis, the authority says.

The contractor needs experience of cold-climate construction in Alaska and with the construction of large roller-compacted concrete dams, of the type envisaged for the Susitna-Watana project, the authority says.

—Alan Bailey