LOS ANGELES, CA — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Los Angeles District awarded the construction phase of a contract to Barnard Construction Company Inc., headquartered in Bozeman, Montana, for the Whittier Narrows Dam Safety project.
The more than $735 million contract enables USACE and Barnard to complete construction of critical safety improvements to Whittier Narrows Dam — a high-risk dam that helps manage flood risk for more than 1 million people and $200 billion in property between the dam and the Pacific Ocean.
The contract uses an innovative method of early contractor involvement that leverages both USACE’s and Barnard’s expertise to increase efficiency in project design and construction, a key priority for delivering infrastructure projects faster and at a better value to the taxpayer.
Significant construction is expected to begin in 2027 and is anticipated to be completed by 2033. The dam will remain fully operational and continue to reduce flood risk during construction. USACE is working with surrounding communities to keep them informed and minimize the impacts during construction.
“The Army Civil Work’s ‘Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork’ change initiatives are driving a laser focus on efficiency by using smarter contracting to get critical projects like the Whittier Narrows Dam repairs built faster and at a better value to the taxpayer," said Adam Telle, the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works. "This innovative approach will ensure we provide the best solution to protect the Los Angeles communities who will rely on this dam for generations to come.”
