EXTERIOR OF DAM RUNNING ALONG THE PARAGUAYAN AND ARGENTINE BORDERS, 2000-02-15 (photo)

FOR RELEASE WITH STORY BC-ARGENTINA-PARAGUAY-DAM - The colossal Yacyreta hydroelectric dam, a joint project first agreed between Argentina and Paraguay in 1979, has managed to survive decades of negative comment and now, 20 years later, is virtually complete. Spanning the Parana river, the dam is the third longest in the world and with a final cost put at around $10 billion, was way over the original budget. Supporters say the cheap hydroelectric power will save both sides millions of much-needed dollars. The dam, now running at 60 percent capacity, extends for 67 kilometers (42 miles) across a network of islands, of which Yacyreta - in Paraguay - is the largest. The name means "the place where the moon shines" in the local indian language Guarani. GN/HB