The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $2 million contract to MWH Americas Inc. for work associated with the proposed overhaul of six units in the Third Power Plant at the 6,809-MW Grand Coulee hydroelectric project. MWH Americas responded to a solicitation for the work, which involves project planning, project management, and construction management assistance. (HNN 10/20/08) BuRec announced the award March 2, saying the contract covers one year with four one-year options. BuRec said the overhaul is necessary to ensure continued operation of the units. It includes work on the generator, turbine, shaft, and auxiliary equipment of all six units at the powerhouse, on the Columbia River in Washington. The units, G-19 through G-24, are starting to experience problems stemming from age-related wear on principle components, BuRec said. The problems have resulted in increased power outages and reduce reliability. The units have been in service since the mid-1970s. Environmental assessment planned BuRec also said it is taking public comments to be used in preparing a draft environmental assessment of the proposed overhaul. Written comments and are due March 27 to Jim Taylor, Natural Resource Specialist, Bureau of Reclamation, 1150 N. Curtis Road, Suite 100, Boise, ID 83706-1234. The draft environmental assessment is to be made available for public review by August. The final EA is scheduled for completion in November, BuRec said.