Washington DC – Today, the U.S. Department of the Interior released a draft environmental impact study report on dam removal as part of the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement (KBRA). The report found that the removal will create significant numbers of jobs and cost less than previously anticipated. The report also highlighted the benefits to salmon and fisheries, as well as agriculture, that are associated with the dam removal.
Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley issued the following statement on the report:
“Today’s report demonstrates the benefits of the KBRA and the hard work that has gone on in the Basin among farmers, tribes, and the fishing and conservation communities over the last few years to create stability and end years of battling over water. The benefits include over 4000 jobs, more certainty and jobs in the agriculture sector; a lower than expected cost for dam removal; and improved habitat for salmon and steelhead.
“I look forward to working with the local leaders in the Basin in realizing the many potential benefits that KBRA could generate.”
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