Washington Dam Removal Would Cost Billions to Replace Related Services, Report Says
Washington Dam Removal Would Cost Billions to Replace Related Services, Report Says
Abstract
Draft report by independent consultants for Gov. Jay Inslee estimates the cost at between $10.3 billion and $27.2 billion. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Walla Walla District owns and operates the four lower Snake River dams, which were built between the 1960s and 1970s. The hydroelectric dams produce 1 GW annually and up to 3.03 GW at peak capacity. They also allow 100 miles of river navigation between Lewiston and Tri-Cities. The proposal has drawn interest. The draft report was released in a public comment period. The final report is scheduled for release later this year and will inform the governor and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash) and the governor's recommendations regarding the project.
