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Bill Introduced for Snake River Dam Study by Associated Press Seattle Post-Intelligencer, August 4, 2009

SPOKANE, Wash. -- Congressman Jim McDermott wants a scientific analysis of the Northwest salmon recovery effort, saying most wild salmon stocks in the Snake and Columbia rivers are dangerously low despite billions of dollars spent on their recovery.

In a bill introduced last week, the Washington Democrat also calls for giving the Army Corps of Engineers authority to breach the four Lower Snake River Dams.

McDermott spokesman Mike DeCesare tells the Spokesman-Review newspaper that the goal is a science-based review of the cost and benefits of breaching the dams, which are blamed for harming fish runs.

Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., an opponent of removing the dams, says he will fight McDermott's bill. He says removing the Snake dams would devastate the region's economy.

Related Sites:
Salmon Solutions and Planning Act of 2009