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Idaho Power Puts Armed Guards on Hells Canyon Dams by Associated Press Capital Press, November 2, 2001

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) -- Idaho Power officials have hired armed guards to protect the Hells Canyon dam complex against terrorism or other destructive acts.

The 24-hour guards are stationed at various points within the three-dam Hells Canyon Complex. The company also hired former Idaho State Police officer James Whitehead to head the security unit.

"We understand that these are extraordinary measures," said John Prescott, vice president for power supply. "But these are extraordinary times for America." Security officers may stop cars on company property and ask occupants for identification. Many roads through the roughly 30-mile complex on Idaho's western edge belong to the company, not the state.

Because of the added security, the Hells Canyon Road at Eagle Bar no longer will be closed nightly, as it had been for the past several weeks.