IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) -- PacifiCorp Energy says work on the Ashton Dam is entering its final stages and is on track to be completed by the end of the year.

The work aims to bring the dam up to modern construction standards and shore up internal erosion.

PacifiCorp spokesman Dave Eskelsen tells the Post Register (http://bit.ly/QeMVM1 ) the project is on target for on-time completion and water from the reservoir should be available for spring irrigation.

The power company provides electricity to 72,000 people in eastern Idaho.

The final price tag could exceed the original estimate of $20 million, but Eskelsen says officials won't know until the project is finished.

The dam began operating in 1914 and has had a history of sinkholes, which have raised concerns about its structural integrity.

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Information from: Post Register, http://www.postregister.com

Copyright 2012 The AP.