The Packwood hydroelectric project in east Lewis County is in line to receive $800,000 in stimulus funds from the U.S. Department of Energy for generator upgrades.

Mason County PUD No. 3 has a 10 percent share in the hydro plant, which is operated by Energy Northwest. Twelve public utility districts are participant/owners of the project.

The funds for an estimated $1.6 million in upgrades to the power plant's water turbine and other associated improvements. The changes will improve turbine efficiency by nearly 6 percent resulting in an estimated increase in energy production of nearly 6,000 megawatt hours annually.

"This project has been providing clean, renewable energy to the region for nearly half a century," said Jay Himlie, PUD 3 power supply manager.

Improvements to the hydroelectric facility are expected to begin in early 2010 with an anticipated completion by late 2011.