Kulongoski and Schwarzenegger Will Hold Klamath Summit This Year

(SALEM) - Governors Ted Kulongoski (D-OR) and Arnold Schwarzenegger (R-CA) have directed their respective state agencies to organize a summit that will take place by the end of the year to address issues that affect the health of the Klamath River Basin, as well as environmental and economic concerns for fishermen, tribes, and hydroelectric power producers who have a stake in Basin management.

"The Klamath Basin Summit will set our region on a course for improving the health of Oregon’s salmon and agricultural economy," said Governor Kulongoski. "Together, I know we can forge a sustainable future for the Klamath that meets our long-term environmental and economic needs."

Governor Kulongoski first called for a summit to bring all stakeholders together earlier this year. The Governor has directed staff to be actively engaged in PacifiCorp re-licensing negotiations and the Klamath Basin Intergovernmental Workgroup.

"Both our states are recognized leaders in protecting our environment," added Governor Schwarzenegger, "and I look forward to working with Governor Kulongoski to develop a plan that will protect these valuable natural resources while balancing our needs as responsible stewards of the environment."

The Klamath Summit builds on earlier calls by the states for direct federal assistance for the West Coast fishery emergency. It also follows last month’s West Coast Governors’ Agreement on Ocean Health.

Both Interior Secretary Kempthorne and Commerce Secretary Gutierrez support the summit and will work with the states to resolve important issues in the Klamath Basin, the Governors’ offices confirmed. The summit will include stakeholder organizations and interests, including fisherman, irrigators, tribes, PacifiCorp, environmental organizations and state and federal partners.

The exact date and place of the summit will depend on the ability of interested stakeholders and members of Congress to attend. Governor Kulongoski has proposed Klamath Falls, Oregon, as the location, and December as the target date for the summit.

To ensure that the Klamath Summit produces results, the Governors have asked stakeholders to present specific proposals and legislative concepts for consideration by the states and the federal government. Stakeholders will also work to identify priority issues and areas of mutual agreement before the summit convenes.

"Our two states are working together to resolve extremely complex problems and concerns," Governor Kulongoski said. "We’ve partnered to establish a ‘clean-car corridor,’ fight global warming and protect our oceans. Governor Schwarzenegger and I understand that our states are stronger when we coordinate our efforts."

Both Governors have worked together to win direct federal aid for hard-hit west coast commercial fisheries.

"We believe there is an important role for the federal government to play in crafting a long-term solution to these challenges," Governor Schwarzenegger said. "It is appropriate that the federal agencies and Congress take an active role shaping a sustainable approach to protecting these vital resources."

Interconnected water, energy, fishing, wildlife habitat, tribal land use and agricultural issues add to the complexity of the challenge.

Recently, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued a draft environmental impact report that allows re-licensing of several Klamath Basin dams. Notably, the report also suggests removing two of these dams as one alternative to restoring water quality and access for fish to suitable habitat.

Though many advocates call for removing dams and restoring the river, PacifiCorp is seeking the re-licensing of several hydro projects on the Klamath River. In a recent letter to Congress, state and federal officials projected a drop in the commercial Klamath Basin salmon catch.

PacifiCorp operates four hydroelectric dams along 65 miles of the Klamath River from the Link River Dam at Upper Klamath Lake to Iron Gate Dam. The utility has expressed willingness to consider dam removal, provided relevant shareholder property rights and cost recovery issues are addressed.

Governors Kulongoski and Schwarzenegger said that PacifiCorp’s statements make dam removal an appropriate option be put on the table.

"In light of PacifiCorp’s characterization of the value, it seems only appropriate that dam removal be explored as part of the discussion and quite frankly, as part of the eventual solution to restore Klamath River health," Governor Schwarzenegger said.

Governor Kulongoski added, "We’re committed to reaching a long-term settlement for the Upper Klamath. Re-licensing or decommissioning these dams must be the first issue addressed. I appreciate PacifiCorp’s openness to working with the states on the basin’s long-term health."

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Henry Ruark October 15, 2006 3:11 am (Pacific time)

To all: It'll be good to know the Saxton response --if he is permitted one-- especially to the concept of removal.

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