“This draft Environmental Impact Statement is the product of years of scientific collaboration and research conducted by federal agencies,” said Reps. McMorris Rodgers and Newhouse. “The mighty Columbia River is vital to our way of life in Washington state and the Pacific Northwest, and the EIS is critical to the effective management of our river power system. From supporting salmon recovery and species protections to providing clean hydropower generation, irrigation for our rich agriculture sector, and navigational routes along our waterways, our region reaps many benefits – while also facing several challenges – stemming from Columbia River operations. We strongly encourage the public to make their voices heard on this draft as we await the final report later this year.”

 

The Columbia River System Operations EIS was issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and Bonneville Power Administration as co-lead agencies. The documents evaluate the impacts of the long-term, coordinated water management functions for the operation, maintenance, and configuration of the 14 federal dam and reservoir projects that comprise the federal Columbia River System.

 

The public review and comment period for the draft EIS is open until April 13, 2020. Public comments can be submitted online at www.crso.info or by mail to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CRSO EIS, P.O. Box 2870, Portland, OR 97208-2870.

 

There will also be an opportunity for comment at public meetings across the Pacific Northwest. Meeting dates and locations are below:

 

March 17, 2020 – Lewiston, ID: Red Lion Hotel, 621 21^st Street

March 18, 2020 – Kennewick, WA: Red Lion Hotel, 110 North Columbia Center Boulevard

March 19, 2020 – Seattle, WA: Hilton Seattle Airport, 17620 International Boulevard

March 26, 2020 – Kalispell, MT: Red Lion Hotel, 20 North Main Street

March 31, 2020 – Portland, OR: Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard

 

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