"I thank all the stakeholders from all over the state for weighing in on this crucial issue. I encourage Washingtonians to get engaged in the public comment period over the next month and share their input on what should be done. We need to hear from a variety of people from different regions and perspectives.
“I look forward to the public engagement and to working in partnership with the federal government going forward.”
Background and more information on stakeholder and public engagement:
The draft report, Lower Snake River Dams Stakeholder Engagement Report, is available for public comment until January 24, 2020. The Legislature provided funding to the governor’s office in the 2019-21 operating budget to conduct a stakeholder process to understand the views of Washingtonians on breaching and removing, or retaining, the lower Snake River dams.
To date, the Lower Snake River Dams Stakeholder Engagement Study process has included engagement with over 100 local, state, tribal and federal leaders and stakeholders; reviewed hundreds of pages from existing documents related to the dams; and so far has received over 3,500 responses to an on-line survey.
The engagement team was not tasked to make recommendations but asked people they interviewed what is needed to move this process out of a cycle of study, legal action and court decisions to one of greater benefit to the communities affected across Washington, and the salmon and orca.
Three public workshops will include a short presentation of the report findings followed by a panel discussion representing different interests. There will not be time for public testimony during the workshops, but the audience members may submit written questions that can be asked of the consultants and panel, provided time is available, and written comments on the report will be accepted at the workshops and online until January 24, 2020.
Public Workshop Dates and Locations
January 7 - Clarkston, 6 - 9 PM
- Quality Inn & Suites and Quay Convention Center
- 700 Port Drive, Clarkston
January 9 - Vancouver, 6 - 9 PM
- Washington State University Vancouver - Dengerink Administration Building (VDEN)
- 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., Vancouver
January 13 - Tri Cities, 6 - 9 PM
- Red Lion Hotel & Conference Center
- 2525 North 20th Ave., Pasco