Kentucky, USA – Thalle-Bauer LLC has won a $320.4 million firm-fixed-price contract to execute Phase II of the Rough River Dam Safety Modification project in Falls of Rough, Kentucky.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced the award December 18, marking a major milestone in efforts to upgrade critical water infrastructure serving central Kentucky communities.
Why the Rough River Dam Needs $320 Million in Safety Upgrades
The Rough River Dam, a vital piece of Kentucky’s water management infrastructure, requires extensive safety modifications to meet modern engineering standards and address structural concerns identified through recent inspections.
Dam safety has emerged as a national infrastructure priority, with thousands of aging dams across America requiring upgrades to protect downstream communities from potential failures.
This Phase II project builds on earlier preliminary work, implementing the core engineering solutions designed to extend the dam’s operational life and enhance public safety for generations.
The Army Corps of Engineers, which manages the facility, identified the modifications as essential to maintaining the dam’s structural integrity under various stress scenarios including extreme weather events and seismic activity.
Five-Year Construction Timeline for Complex Engineering Work
Thalle-Bauer LLC will execute the project under a firm-fixed-price structure, meaning the company bears the risk of cost overruns while delivering the specified scope of work.
The contract includes a completion deadline of December 25, 2029, providing a five-year window to complete the intricate engineering and construction activities required for dam modification.
Dam safety projects present unique construction challenges. Work must often proceed while maintaining normal dam operations, requiring careful phasing and specialized expertise.
Contractors must coordinate with water management schedules, environmental regulations, and strict safety protocols while working on or near massive hydraulic structures.
Economic Impact on Falls of Rough Community
Beyond its safety benefits, this $320 million investment represents a substantial economic injection for the Falls of Rough region and surrounding Grayson County communities.
Large-scale infrastructure projects typically generate significant local economic activity through direct employment, equipment rentals, material purchases, and secondary spending by construction workers.
The Rough River Lake area serves as both a flood control mechanism and a recreational destination, attracting tourists and supporting local businesses.
Ensuring the dam’s long-term safety protects not only downstream communities but also the regional economy dependent on the reservoir’s continued operation.
This contract award reflects the federal government’s renewed focus on infrastructure investment, particularly for critical facilities like dams that protect lives and property.
The Army Corps of Engineers manages hundreds of dams nationwide, with many requiring similar safety upgrades in coming years as infrastructure ages and engineering standards evolve.
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