The Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) is a unique collaboration among three U.S. government agencies – the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Bureau of Reclamation (USBR). The USACE and the USBR are the owners and operators of the 31 federal hydropower projects on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. They provide about 60 percent of the region’s hydroelectric generating capacity. BPA markets and distributes the power generated from these federal dams. BPA also owns and operates about 75% of the Northwest's transmission system.
Collectively, these agencies maximize the use of the Columbia River by generating power, protecting fish and wildlife, reducing the risk of floods, providing irrigation, navigation and recreation, and sustaining cultural resources.
The 31 federal dams of the FCRPS are the foundation of the Northwest’s power supply, and in large measure, they fuel the region’s economy. With a transmission grid that reaches thousands of miles, the FCRPS provides power to customers up and down the West Coast - from Canada to California – and eastward to the Desert Southwest. These hydropower plants provide a sustainable source of electricity.
The FCRPS agencies are setting a course for a clean and renewable energy future by investing in powerhouse modernization and other improvements to maximize the multipurpose use of the Columbia River.
From where this cache is hidden you will have great views of the spillway and the historic first power house! To learn more, go to the 4th floor of the visitor center (one floor below you) and see the FCRPS exhibit in the middle of the room. Please HIDE this cache really well! Lots of visitors visit the 5th floor, muggles will steal all of the goodies!