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Removal could cost $5 billion less than keeping the dams
WASHINGTON DC — Removing four dams on the lower Snake River in Eastern Washington state could save U.S. taxpayers and Northwest electricity consumers billions of dollars, according to a study released today.
The report, entitled Revenue Stream, was compiled by a coalition of business organizations, Republicans for Enrionmental Protection, taxpayer advocates and conservation groups, including Idaho Rivers United. It was released at a Washington DC press conference and regionally.
Using the best and most recent information available, Revenue Stream presents a unique, side-by-side comparison of the costs of maintaining and operating the dams and inadequate fish protection programs versus the costs of removing the dams and replacing their benefits. The conclusion: Dam removal could cost $6 billion or more over 10 years, but would ultimately save taxpayers and Northwest electric consumers nearly $5 billion.
The report also highlights new economic benefits that would result from a free flowing river. Fishing and recreation opportunities would increase after lower Snake dam removal, and could contribute another $20 billion to the Northwest’s economy. Much of those dollars would benefit Idaho.
“I’ve known for years that dam removal would benefit my business and my community’s economy,” says Tom Anderson, city councilman and owner of the Salmon River Motel in Riggins, Idaho. “This report demonstrates that we can remove the dams, replace their energy, keep affected communities whole, and restore Snake River salmon and steelhead.
“But the findings alone won’t benefit my community — our elected leaders need to be willing to honestly examine dam removal as part of the ultimate salmon solution,” Anderson said.
Rexann Zimmerman, owner of the local tackle shop in Riggins, knows well the benefits of strong salmon and steelhead fishing seasons. “The good returns of 2001 helped triple my yearly income in two months,” Zimmerman. “A dependable, restored fishery would bring more tourists and millions of dollars to Riggins every year.”
The report also examines the potential costs of replacing the benefits now associated with the dams — power production, transportation infrastructure investments and ensuring that the 13 farmers who now irrigate crops from water backed up by the dams will be able to continue doing so.
“The four lower Snake dams are costing taxpayers and killing our salmon,” said Bill Sedivy, executive director for Idaho Rivers United. “Revenue Stream makes it clear that we can save money, restore salmon by removing the lower Snake dams and keep people and communities who might be adversely affected by dam removal whole.
“It’s time for Idaho’s elected leaders to consider dam removal as part of a scientifically sound, economically viable and beneficial salmon recovery plan,” Sedivy said.
Revenue Stream was researched and prepared by staff of sponsoring organizations, including Taxpayers for Common Sense, REP America, PCFFA, the Institute for Fisheries Research, Northwest Sportfishing Industry Association, NW Energy Coalition, Save Our Wild Salmon, American Rivers and Idaho Rivers United.
Copies of the report are available for download online at www.wildsalmon.org or by clicking here. http://www.idahorivers.org/pdf/revenuestream.pdf
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Idaho Statesman
October 31, 2007,10:02AM
Federal fisheries officials say operations of the dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered salmon and steelhead in the watershed.
The National Marine Fisheries Service said in a report to be issued this morning, a series of actions away from the dams, including habitat restoration programs, hatchery operation changes and harvest restrictions will offset the impacts of the dams on 12 stocks of salmon and steelhead declared threatened or endangered.
The agency, also known as NOAA Fisheries, will release the document, called a biological opinion, which shows how the federal dams are meeting the Endangered Species Act.
The federal agencies that operate the dams and the hydroelectric power system in the Northwest had submitted their plans to NMFS earlier this year for review. The fisheries agency added several other measures it will require. The Agencies include the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation and the Bonneville Power Administration.
This is the sixth biological opinion issued on the Columbia and Snake dams since 1992. It comes after U.S. district Judge James Redden had thrown out the last plan issued by the Bush Administration as inadequate and illegal. This time the agencies analyzed both dams on the Columbia and lower Snake with dams on the Upper Snake in Idaho
It will release two biological opinions today, one for the Upper Snake and one for the Lower Snake and Columbia. As expected the agency will not call for breaching four dams on the Lower Snake River in Washington.
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