FlatironDragados announced on Aug. 20, 2026, that it is leading a joint venture with Sukut Construction to deliver the $1.9 billion Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit project in Morgan Hill for the Santa Clara Valley Water District, known as Valley Water.
Valley Water selected the joint venture through a best-value procurement process and has issued a “notice to proceed” with construction.
To meet modern seismic safety standards, project teams will rebuild major portions of Anderson Dam. Work includes reconstructing the dam embankment and spillway, installing new outlet infrastructure and completing related roadway, utility and environmental improvements.
“The Anderson Dam Seismic Retrofit project is a critical investment in the long-term prosperity of this community,” said Richard Grabinski, president of FD USA. “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. This award reflects the strength of our people, our partnerships and our proven ability to deliver complex infrastructure that improves quality of life and supports future growth.”
“This project draws on FlatironDragados' experience delivering complex dam, water and seismic infrastructure,” said Mike Costa, FlatironDragados senior vice president. “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. We look forward to continuing our longstanding collaborative work with Valley Water.”
Anderson Reservoir is Santa Clara County's largest surface reservoir and supports water supply, groundwater recharge and incidental flood protection for nearly 2 million residents. Valley Water lowered the reservoir level to 3 percent capacity in 2020 because of seismic safety concerns. The retrofit will strengthen the dam's ability to withstand a major earthquake and allow the reservoir to return to normal operating levels once construction is complete.
The FlatironDragados-Sukut joint venture brings specialized expertise in embankment dam construction. The team includes key personnel who helped deliver Northern California's Calaveras Dam and Isabella Lake Dam. Both projects received the United States Society on Dams' Excellence in Constructed Project Award, among other industry honors.
FlatironDragados also is nearing completion of the Anderson Dam Tunnel as the prime contractor.
Construction began in 2021 on the 1,700-ft.-long, 24-foot-diameter tunnel that will serve as a permanent low-level outlet for Anderson Reservoir. The tunnel increases Valley Water's ability to control reservoir levels and provides critical infrastructure for the seismic retrofit.
Construction of the seismic retrofit is expected to begin in early 2027.
