County could benefit from water pact

Public hearing planned at 7 p.m. today downtown

By TY BEAVER

H&N Staff Writer

February 4, 2009

    Klamath County could receive $3.7 million for economic development and lost property tax compensation if the proposed Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement is approved. 

   The Klamath County Board of Commissioners will host its first public hearing on the proposed water settlement at 7 p.m. today at the Klamath County Government Center . Presentations by opponents and proponents are expected. 

   Exchange of ideas 

   Commissioners said public comment would determine whether the county signs the agreement. They encouraged people to attend to learn more about the settlement and express their opinions. 

   “We need people to come in and tell us what their feelings are,” said Commissioner Al Switzer. 

   Stakeholders released the 256-page agreement document Jan. 15 after two-and-a-half years of discussions. If signed, it would allocate water in the Klamath River watershed among farmers, tribes, fishermen and conservationists. It hinges on a recommendation to remove four dams on the Klamath River to restore historic fish runs. 

   The commissioners are the latest group to take comment on the subject. Klamath Water Users Association, Klamath Irrigation District, Tulelake Irrigation District and Klamath County ’s Natural Resource Advisory Council have already had meetings and hearings. 

   The $ 3.7 million to Klamath County would be part of the total $1 billion project cost over 10 years. Funding would come from the federal government and states of Oregon and California . 

   Commissioner John Elliott said $ 500,000 of those funds would go toward economic development, likely focused around the proposed reintroduction of migratory fish species to the upper reaches of the watershed. 

   Compensation 

   The remaining $ 3.2 million would be provided as compensation for loss of property taxes from Portland-based PacifiCorp should the power company agree to remove its four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River. 

   Presentations

   Presentations on the agreement are expected from the Klamath Off-Project Water Users, PacifiCorp, Klamath Irrigation District, Klamath Water Users Association, the Klamath Tribes and U. S . Bureau of Reclamation. 

   Elliott said all the presentations would be made Monday with plans of a question and 

answer period or public comment afterward, continuing to the next hearing at 7 p.m. Feb. 11. 

   Both Switzer and Elliott said they would hold consider scheduling more public hearings if necessary.

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