A spillway is the channel or structure on a dam designed to safely release excess water, acting like an overflow drain or pressure‑relief valve for a reservoir. For investors, spillways matter because their design, condition and capacity affect a project’s safety, regulatory approvals, maintenance costs, flood risk and potential hydropower output—issues that can influence liability, operating revenue and the value of infrastructure assets.
cofferdamtechnical
A cofferdam is a temporary, watertight enclosure built around a work area in water or soft ground so the inside can be pumped dry and construction, repair, or excavation can proceed. Think of it like a portable bathtub or sandbox that holds back water so crews can reach foundations, piers, or submerged pipelines. Investors encounter the term in project descriptions because cofferdams affect construction complexity, schedule, safety risks, and cost estimates for marine, bridge, dam, and certain mining or oil-and-gas projects.
rock anchoringtechnical
Rock anchoring is the engineering process of drilling into solid rock and installing steel tendons or bolts, then tensioning and grouting them to hold rock or structures in place, much like using heavy-duty screws to secure a loose rock wall. It matters to investors because it affects the safety, construction cost, timeline and regulatory compliance of projects that rely on stable rock conditions, such as mines, tunnels, dams and hillside developments.
slab and buttress damtechnical
A slab and buttress dam is a concrete dam design where a relatively thin upstream face or “slab” holds back water and is supported at regular intervals by downstream buttresses that act like braces, transferring the water’s load to the foundation. Think of it as a large curtain held up by a series of triangular supports. It matters to investors because the design affects construction cost, material use, maintenance needs, operational risks, and regulatory oversight for projects in water, power, or mining infrastructure.
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WATSONVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Granite (NYSE:GVA) announced today that it has been awarded an approximately $50 million contract by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) for the Tiger Creek Regulator Dam Spillway Replacement project in Amador County, California, near Pioneer.The project will be included in Granite’s second quarter 2026 CAP.
The project, part of PG&E’s Mokelumne River Hydroelectric Project, involves construction of a new spillway that will replace an existing structure at the Tiger Creek Regulator Dam, a slab and buttress dam originally constructed in 1931. The project will enhance long-term dam safety, improve operational reliability, and ensure compliance with updated regulatory and engineering standards.
Granite’s scope of work includes construction of the new spillway crest structure and chute, installation of a temporary cofferdam to allow work to be performed in dry conditions, excavation and rock anchoring, placement of mass and structural concrete, and decommissioning of the existing spillway. The project also includes improvements to site access, including construction of a permanent access road to support ongoing maintenance of the new spillway.
A separate preconstruction contract, completed in 2024 with an approximate value of $600,000, supported early planning and constructability efforts for 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,” says Bob Mihal, Granite Area Manager. “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.”
Construction began in May 2026, with completion anticipated in May 2028.
About Granite
Granite is America’s Infrastructure Company™. Incorporated since 1922, Granite (NYSE:GVA) is one of the largest diversified construction and construction materials companies in the United States as well as a full-suite civil construction provider. Granite’s Code of Conduct and strong Core Values guide the Company and its employees to uphold the highest ethical standards. Granite is an industry leader in safety and an award-winning firm in quality and sustainability. For more information, visit the Granite website, graniteconstruction.com, and connect with Granite onLinkedIn, X, Facebook,andInstagram.