GRANTS PASS, Ore. (AP) The removal of Savage Rapids Dam headed into the final phase with construction of a coffer dam to reroute the Rogue River away from demolition work.
The 88-year-old dam on the Rogue River has been targeted for removal for years to improve fish passage.
The Grants Pass Irrigation District will begin using 12 giant new pumps to deliver water to its approximately 6,700 customers as the dam is removed.
The $40 million project should be finished by December. But the river will be free flowing in early October when the north side of the 26-ft. coffer dam is breached.
