The project was constructed by PCWA and brought into operation in 1967. It consists of a series of seven diversions and five powerhouses with a nameplate generating capacity of 223,750 kilowatts (KW). Water from the diversions is controlled and conveyed through four tunnels. At the end of the system, Project water is released to the Middle Fork American River approximately 29 miles upstream of Folsom Reservoir.
The Project includes two principal water storage reservoirs, French Meadows and Hell Hole (combined storage of 342,583 acre-feet), two limited storage afterbays, Interbay and Ralston (combined storage of 2,957 acre-feet) and three small diversions, Duncan Creek Diversion, North Fork Long Canyon Diversion and South Fork Long Canyon Diversion.
