AMERICAN FALLS — Idaho Power has opened a new public recreation access point downstream of American Falls Dam.

The day-use area, which includes a parking lot, vault toilet and stairs to the riverbank, is on the west side of the Snake River on Fish Hatchery Road. It replaces a temporary access point that was created last year as the company began refurbishing turbines and generators at the American Falls Power Plant.

Idaho Power also owns and maintains Trenner Park on the east side of the river. Both locations offer fishing access and bird watching opportunities. The boat ramp downstream of Trenner Park, known as Oregon Trail River Access, is cooperatively managed with Power County.

Modernization work at the power plant continues. Built in 1976, the American Falls Power Plant has three generators that can provide up to 92,340 kilowatts of electricity — enough to power more than 70,000 homes.

For updated recreation information, visit idahopower.com/whatsopen.