Spokane To Host Town Hall Focused On Columbia River Treat

The Columbia River Treaty is scheduled to take center stage Wednesday evening during at Town Hall at the Davenport Hotel in downtown Spokane.  The town hall comes as eight dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers continue to spill additional water, following a federal judge’s ruling to try and improve fish runs in the river system.  Representative Dan Newhouse says this will allow the public to meet with U.S. negotiator Jill Smail, hear her prospective, and express any concerns the farming community might have.  While there is still a long way to go on updating the Treaty, Newhouse said he’s delighted the State Department is holding this town hall.

“It’s a critical issue, you’re right, it’s part of how we manage and operate the Columbia River system for many year, and it’s imperative that we get this treaty renewed in a favorable position for the United States and Canada too.  We are partners in this.”

Wednesday’s town hall runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

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