Granite Awarded $50 Million Contract for Tiger Creek Regulator Dam Spillway Replacement Project
Infrastructure contractor Granite has officially secured an approximately $50 million contract from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) for the Tiger Creek Regulator Dam Spillway Replacement project. Situated in Amador County, California, near the community of Pioneer, this crucial infrastructure undertaking is set to be integrated into Granite’s second-quarter 2026 contract awards and backlog (CAP) reporting.
The endeavor forms an integral part of PG&E’s broader Mokelumne River Hydroelectric Project. At its core, the initiative involves the comprehensive construction of a brand-new spillway designed to replace the aging, original structure at the Tiger Creek Regulator Dam—a historical slab and buttress dam that was initially constructed back in 1931. Over nearly a century of service, the original dam has played a vital role in regional water and energy management, but evolving modern engineering standards necessitate a significant structural upgrade. By replacing the outdated spillway, the project will substantially enhance long-term dam safety, improve operational reliability, and ensure complete compliance with the latest regulatory and engineering mandates.
Detailed Scope of Work
Granite’s extensive scope of work for the Tiger Creek project encompasses a wide array of specialized civil engineering and heavy construction tasks. To begin work safely and efficiently, the team will install a temporary cofferdam, creating a dry working environment necessary for deep excavation and structural installation.
The primary construction milestones include:
- Excavation and Rock Anchoring: Preparing the foundation by moving earth and securing the surrounding geological formations to ensure maximum stability for the new structure.
- Concrete Placement: Pouring and placing large quantities of both mass and structural concrete to form the robust foundation, walls, and structural elements of the new spillway.
- Spillway Crest Structure and Chute: Building the core operational components that will safely manage water flows and prevent overtopping under various hydrological conditions.
- Decommissioning of the Existing Spillway: Safely dismantling, filling, or sealing off the century-old infrastructure once the new system is fully operational and tested.
- Site Access Improvements: Constructing a brand-new, permanent access road to facilitate heavy equipment deployment during construction and to support ongoing, long-term maintenance of the newly installed spillway for decades to come.
Building on Early Collaboration
The path to securing this multi-million dollar construction contract was paved through careful, deliberate planning. A separate preconstruction contract, which was successfully completed in 2024 with an approximate value of $600,000, allowed engineering and construction teams to align early on. This initial phase was instrumental in supporting early planning, conducting thorough constructability reviews, and mitigating risks before breaking ground on the heavy construction phase.
A Legacy of Northern California Dam Construction
For Granite, this contract reinforces its established reputation as a premier provider of heavy civil and water infrastructure solutions in Northern California. The company has a storied history of executing complex dam and water resource projects for a diverse portfolio of clients across the region. Notable past projects include the Folsom Dam Auxiliary Spillway Control Structure, the Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam, the Lost Creek Dam, and the Log Pond Dam.
Bob Mihal, Granite Area Manager, highlighted the strategic significance of the award and the company’s extensive capabilities in a statement regarding the project.
“We have a long history of building critical dam projects for many clients in Northern California including the Folsom Dam Auxiliary Spillway Control Structure, Mormon Island Auxiliary Dam, Lost Creek Dam, and Log Pond Dam,” said Mihal. “Our team brings deep technical expertise and a collaborative approach, and we look forward to serving PG&E and strengthening our partnership on critical infrastructure that supports the region’s communities.”
As California continues to focus on modernizing its aging water infrastructure to withstand changing climate patterns, extreme weather events, and stringent safety regulations, projects like the Tiger Creek Regulator Dam Spillway Replacement are of paramount importance. By partnering with experienced contractors like Granite, utility providers like PG&E can safeguard critical energy and water assets.
With preconstruction planning already finalized and the formal contract awarded, the project represents a significant step forward in ensuring the structural integrity of the Mokelumne River Hydroelectric Project. As construction gets underway, it will not only secure local water systems and environmental safety standards but also provide a steady economic boost to Amador County and the surrounding Northern California region through specialized labor, engineering services, and local supply chain engagement.
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