A controversial effort aimed at removing four hydroelectric dams along the Klamath River moved closer to reality last week as an 18 million dollar contract was awarded to Keiwit Infrastructure West, for studies and preliminary work.
“Any fisherman in the country should be very happy that these dams are coming out” said Matt Cox.
Cox is spokesman for the Klamath River Renewal Corporation, an entity created to overcome liability issues associated with the project.
The dams are owned by Salt Lake City-based utility PacifiCorp, which supports their removal. The facilities are considered obsolete, in need of expensive upgrades for relicensing.
In addition to improving water quality, Cox said removing Copco 1, Copco 2, Iron Gate and the JC Boyle dam will also
“Rehabilitate the once massive salmon runs that sustained many communities and tribes, all along the Klamath basin.” Cox said.
The plans have been opposed by some agricultural groups, concerned that it could set a precedent for removing other dams.
Cox said his group plans to submit a report to federal regulators in July. He doesn’t expect the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to issue a final ruling before March of 2020.