777 Island St., Kaukauna, WI 54130
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Patrick Casey
Phone (W): (920) 225-6159
Phone (M): (920) 246-4195
Email: Patrick.Casey@Boldt.com
OR
Mary Schmidt
Phone: (920) 284-7165
Email: mkschmidt@centurytel.net
Kaukauna Utilities, The Boldt Company (the project’s general contractor), AECOM (project engineer) and Voith Hydro (hydroelectric equipment contractor) will celebrate the future of hydroelectric power at a dedication ceremony for the utility’s new Badger Hydro project on May 13, 2014 (see details in media note below). The Badger Hydro project is a $38 million, long-term investment to replace two hydro plants that had been in operation for more than 100 years. The project also involved the first major reconstruction of the power canal, which had been in existence for more than 130 years.
[IMPORTANT MEDIA NOTES:
Media and invited guests are welcome to attend the private ceremony from 2-3:30 p.m. on May 13 (program beginning at 2:30 p.m.).
The private event will feature speakers from Kaukauna Utilities, the City of Kaukauna, Boldt, AECOM, Voith, WPPI Energy and the National Hydropower Association, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and guided plant tours that will include a question and answer station (planned media tour at 3:30 p.m.).
Media who would like to attend should RSVP by May 12 to Patrick Casey at Patrick.Casey@boldt.com or (920) 225-6159.
Media attending the event should check in at the marked media check-in table.
The event’s location is at 777 Island St., Kaukauna, WI 54130 (media parking available in parking lot adjacent to event site).
The public open house will be on the same day from 4-7 p.m.]
This project, which featured much-needed upgrades to the canal, power house and plant facilities, has ensured the viability of renewable energy in the Fox Valley and Wisconsin for decades to come.
”Dedication of the Badger Hydro project is the culmination of more than 12 years of hard work and commitment to ensure that our community and our customers continue to realize the long-term financial and environmental benefits of hydroelectric power,” said Jeff Feldt, Kaukauna Utilities’ general manager. “It truly is an investment that will provide sustainable long-term benefits for many generations to come, just as the previous ‘old’ and ‘new’ Badger hydro plants did since 1908. We are excited to open our doors to the community!”
Upgrading power production efficiency was central to the project; two of Kaukauna Utilities’ hydro plants were replaced with just one, which produces more energy than the previous two combined.
“We’re very proud to be part of helping Kaukauna Utilities reach its goals and serve its customers through this project,” said Bill Goodall, Boldt’s project manager for the Kaukauna Utilities project. “This was a unique project and we worked closely with Kaukauna Utilities to make it a success by focusing on efficiency, collaboration and creativity in the construction process.”
For more information on Kaukauna Utilities’ hydroelectric facilities, please visit http://badgerhydro.ku-wi.org.
