How much will it cost to restore the valley?
Our study focuses on the most challenging and costly components of restoration — replacing the water and power services provided by O’Shaughnessy Dam. Taking key uncertainties into account, we estimate these costs would range from $500 million to $1.65 billion on a net present value basis. Not included in these estimates is the cost of removing O’Shaughnessy Dam, restoring Hetch Hetchy Valley or building facilities to accommodate the visitors from across the United States and around the world that would flock to see the valley and its unprecedented restoration. A more thorough public study will be needed to calculate the total cost of bringing back the Hetch Hetchy Valley.
