 The project competed with the smaller @-@ scale Susitna Hydroelectric Project proposed by the Federal Bureau of Reclamation for south @-@ central Alaska , but thanks to Gruening 's support and that of other backers , the Rampart project took precedence . The Rivers and Harbors Act of 1960 passed by the U.S. Congress in that year included a $ 2 million appropriation to conduct a full four @-@ year feasibility study of the project , including its economic feasibility and the impact it would have on fish and wildlife . In March 1961 , a team of engineers from the Corps ' Alaska district began drilling operations at the site to determine bedrock depth and gather other data . In order to examine the economic feasibility of the dam , the Corps of Engineers created the Rampart Economic Advisory Board ( REAB ) in February 1961 . The REAB hired David E. Lilienthal 's Development and Resources Corporation in April to complete the study , and a team of Corps engineers and REAB members arrived in the state in June to study the Rampart project first @-@ hand . At that time , Sen. Gruening estimated that the project would cost roughly $ 1 @.@ 2 billion to complete . 
