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The Salt River Hydroelectric Powerplant, constructed in 1938, is located along the valley floor of the Salt River in Lincoln County, Wyoming. The powerplant was built along the Salt River to take advantage of a steady supply of water. The powerplant site contains four architectural features: a concrete inlet structure which directs water into three steel penstocks which lead to the powerplant, the powerplant building, a concrete overflow spillway, and a trailrace canal. The site is significant for its industrial contribution to the development of the Star Valley region. The construction of the Salt River Powerplant was the first effort to provide electricity to the entire area of Star Valley using Rural Electric Association funds. During the Depression years the state of Wyoming benefited from the expansion of electrical services into rural areas, largely due to efforts of Rural Electric Associations. These associations, subsidized by the Federal Government as part of Franklin Roosevelt's ''New Deal'', helped expand electrical service to ranches and farms throughout rural America, and made a major impact on the way these people lived. This hydroelectric plant remained in operation until 1967, and for 30 years it served as the principal source of electricity for the entire area.