PPL Montana accepting proposals for old Rainbow Dam Powerhouse
Through May 31, 2012, PPL Montana will accept serious proposals on redeveloping the old Rainbow Dam powerhouse, which will be retired later this year when the new powerhouse begins operations.
Basic information:
- Brick, masonry structure in service since 1910
- 415 feet long by 40 feet 6 inches wide
- Contains an interior structural steel frame
- One extension, 86 feet long by 40 feet 6 inches wide (Units 7 & 8 addition), is on the upstream side.
- Another extension, 52 feet long by 38 feet wide (carpenter shop), is on the left (downstream) end of the building.
- The building is divided into a generator floor and two gallery level floors.
- The generator floor contains eight turbine generating units.
Considerations, challenges:
- New roof is needed
- Building lacks a heating system
- Replacement windows needed
- High voltage equipment
- Structure situated in a flood plain
- Limited access
- Financial resources to support long term use plan
Click here for drawings
Click here for historical photographs
Click here to submit your proposal