FlatironDragados Joint Venture Begins $1.9 Billion Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit
FlatironDragados has begun construction on the $1.9 billion Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit project in Morgan Hill, California, marking a major step toward strengthening one of Santa Clara County’s most important water infrastructure assets.
FlatironDragados is leading a joint venture with Sukut Construction to deliver the project for the Santa Clara Valley Water District, known as Valley Water. The water agency selected the joint venture through a best-value procurement process and has now issued the formal notice to proceed with construction.
The project is designed to bring Anderson Dam in line with modern seismic safety standards while strengthening the reservoir’s long-term role in the region’s water supply system.
Major Dam Reconstruction
The Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit will involve the reconstruction of major components of the existing facility.
Key works include rebuilding the dam embankment and spillway, installing new outlet infrastructure, and delivering associated roadway, utility, and environmental improvements.
The extensive construction programme is intended to improve the dam’s ability to withstand a major earthquake and provide greater long-term resilience for the surrounding community.
Richard Grabinski, President of FD USA, said the project represents an important investment in the future of the region.
“The Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit project is a critical investment in the long-term prosperity of this community,” Grabinski said. “We are honored to continue our partnership with Valley Water and bring the full capabilities of FlatironDragados and Sukut to this landmark project that will benefit the region.”
He added that the contract reflects the strength of the companies’ teams and partnerships and their experience delivering complex infrastructure projects designed to improve quality of life and support future growth.
Strengthening a Critical Water Resource
Anderson Reservoir is Santa Clara County’s largest surface reservoir and plays an important role in the region’s water management system.
The reservoir supports multiple functions, including water supply, groundwater recharge, and incidental flood protection. Collectively, these services support a region with nearly two million residents.
However, seismic safety concerns led Valley Water to significantly reduce the reservoir’s operating level. In 2020, the water agency lowered the reservoir to approximately 3% of its capacity because of concerns about the dam’s ability to withstand a major earthquake.
The reduction in storage capacity highlighted the need for a comprehensive long-term solution.
The seismic retrofit is intended to address these concerns by strengthening the dam and its associated infrastructure. Once construction is completed and the facility is approved for normal operation, the reservoir is expected to be able to return to normal operating levels.
The project will therefore play an important role in restoring the reservoir’s full operational potential while improving its resilience against future seismic events.
Expertise in Complex Dam Construction
The FlatironDragados-Sukut joint venture brings extensive experience in major dam and water infrastructure projects.
The team includes professionals who previously worked on the construction of Calaveras Dam and Isabella Lake Dam, two significant projects involving complex dam engineering and construction challenges.
Both projects received the United States Society on Dams’ Excellence in Constructed Project Award, in addition to other industry recognition.
This experience will be particularly valuable on the Anderson Dam project, where construction must be carefully planned around existing infrastructure, environmental considerations, seismic requirements, and water management needs.
Mike Costa, Senior Vice President at FlatironDragados, said the project builds on the company’s experience delivering major dam, water, and seismic infrastructure.
“Together with Sukut, we will bring the technical expertise and local knowledge needed to safely rebuild Anderson Dam, strengthen this critical resource for generations to come,” Costa said.
The joint venture also intends to build on its longstanding collaborative relationship with Valley Water as construction moves forward.
Anderson Dam Tunnel Supports Retrofit
The new seismic retrofit is also closely connected to another major project already being delivered by FlatironDragados.
The company is nearing completion of the Anderson Dam Tunnel, which it is constructing as the prime contractor for Valley Water.
Construction of the tunnel began in 2021 and involves a 1,700-foot-long, 24-foot-diameter underground structure designed to provide a permanent low-level outlet for Anderson Reservoir.
The tunnel will increase Valley Water’s ability to control reservoir levels and represents a critical piece of infrastructure for the broader seismic retrofit programme.
The ability to manage reservoir levels more effectively will be important during construction and in the long-term operation of the upgraded dam.
The tunnel project and the main seismic retrofit therefore form interconnected components of Valley Water’s broader strategy for improving the safety and reliability of Anderson Reservoir.
Delivering Long-Term Infrastructure Resilience
The Anderson Dam project represents one of the largest investments in water infrastructure currently being undertaken in the region.
Its importance extends beyond the physical reconstruction of the dam. By improving seismic resilience and restoring the reservoir’s ability to operate at normal levels, the project is expected to strengthen the region’s long-term water management capabilities.
The development also demonstrates the increasing importance of upgrading aging water infrastructure to meet modern safety standards and prepare communities for natural hazards.
For Santa Clara County, ensuring the resilience of Anderson Reservoir is particularly important because of its role in supporting water supply and groundwater management for a large population.
Construction Begins
With Valley Water issuing the notice to proceed, the FlatironDragados-Sukut joint venture can now advance the main construction phase of the seismic retrofit.
The work will require close coordination among engineers, construction teams, environmental specialists, utilities crews, and other project partners. Rebuilding the dam embankment and spillway while installing new outlet infrastructure will require detailed sequencing and careful management of the existing site.
The project will build on FlatironDragados’ ongoing work at Anderson Dam, including the tunnel project, and the company’s wider experience delivering major water and seismic infrastructure throughout Northern California.
Once complete, the Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit is expected to provide a significantly stronger and more resilient facility capable of withstanding major seismic events.
The $1.9 billion project represents a long-term investment in public safety, water reliability, and regional resilience. By combining the expertise of FlatironDragados and Sukut Construction with Valley Water’s long-term planning, the project aims to secure the future of one of Santa Clara County’s most important water resources for generations to come.
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