Corps of Engineers seek public input about dams

PORTLAND — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Portland District has opened a public comment period on a draft 30-year plan for the operation and maintenance of our system of 13 dams and reservoirs across the Willamette River Basin.

This plan — referred to as a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement — details seven potential courses of action including one most preferred by the Corps and essentially lays out a long-term path for achieving the congressionally authorized purposes of the Willamette Valley System (flood risk management, hydropower, irrigation supply, etc.) while improving conditions for endangered fish.

Public comments will be accepted through January 19, 2023.

The document will determine the Corps’ course in managing the system for the next 30-plus years.

This 55-day comment period is essentially the opportunity members of the public have to share their input and be a part of the decision-making process that sets a path for the management of trillions of gallons of water.

The Corps of Engineers will host virtual and in-person public open house meetings on the draft EIS in the coming weeks.

•             More information: https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Media/News-Releases/Article/3234764/corps...

•             For background on the draft EIS, to see a schedule of public meetings, and to view and download the draft EIS, visit the EIS webpage: https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Locations/Willamette-Valley/System-Evalua....