Become a friend of

   the Klamath Bucket  

            Brigade

   Send Donations Here

     All donations are tax  

             deductible

 

 

 This Website is Dedicated to

 Alvin Alexander Cheyne

January 10, 1921 - June 17, 2005

 

GovTrack.us is an independent tool to help the public research and track the activities in the U.S. Congress, promoting government transparency and civic education through novel uses of technology.

 

 

 

 

      

 

Klamath River Dam Removal

 

Economic benefit at least $14 billion 

 

Public input due by Feb. 4; decision on removal of dams expected this spring 

 

By LEE JUILLERAT 

H&N Regional Editor

January 25, 2012

 

H&N file photos   The J.C. Boyle Dam in Klamath County is among four being considered for removal on the Klamath River

 

     Removing four Klamath River dams would provide $14 billion in short- and long-term economic benefits, according to a draft economic analysis released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

 

   The study estimates the low-range net economic benefit of $14.1 billion over a 50-year period, even with losses that would result from the elimination of hydropower, whitewater boating and other recreational activities.

 

   Public input on the report will be taken through Feb. 4. Copies are available online.

 

   “Klamath Dam Removal Overview Report for the Secretary of the Interior: An Assessment of Science and Technical Information” was prepared as part of an ongoing process to provide Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar with information on whether to recommend removal of four Klamath River hydroelectric dams. A recommendation is expected this spring.

 

   The dams are J.C. Boyle, Copco 1 and Copco 2, and Iron Gate.

 

   The report says removing the dams and launching watershed-wide restoration programs could create jobs and strengthen local economies by improving fish populations, creating more recreation and commercial fishing opportunities, and increasing agricultural output.   

 

Dam removal is a key provision of the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement.

 

   The KBRA aims to provide stable water supplies for irrigators, restore fish populations, resolve Klamath Tribes water claims, provide water to Klamath Basin refuges and provide $21 million to the Klamath Tribes to purchase forestlands. Total cost of implementing the KBRA is estimated at $970 million over 10 years.

 

   The KBRA is linked to the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement, which outlines dam removal.  

 

   Supplement to studies

 

   Matt Baun, spokesman for the Klamath Secretarial Determination Process, said Tuesday’s findings supplement the Klamath River dam removal environmental impact statement/environmental impact report released in September 2011. Public comments on the recent report will be considered by a six-member peer review committee.

 

   A final overview economic report and final Klamath River dam removal environmental study will be released before Salazar’s decision.  

Pictured is the mouth of the Klamath River where it meets the Pacific Ocean. The impact of removing four dams on the river stretches from the Upper Klamath Basin to the fisheries on the coast.

 

 

   “We feel our process is solid,” Baun said of the economic analysis, which he said summarizes two years of scientific and technical studies.

 

   Highlights of the economic report include results of a non-use value survey that show a strong   majority of respondents favor improving Klamath River Basin fisheries, as well as economic analyses that show significant economic gains for agriculture and commercial and ocean sport fishing that would offset economic losses by eliminating the hydropower-generating dams and reduced real estate values for property closely associated   with dams and reservoirs.

 

   Not quantified in the report are “substantial social and economic benefits,” such as improved in-river steelhead and redband trout fishing, increased wildlife viewing and a variety of benefits to Klamath River American Indian tribes.

 
Side Bars
 
 
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
NOTE: In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, any copyrighted
material herein is distributed without profit or payment to those who have
expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit
research and educational purposes only. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml