WAWG: Removing Dams Would Be Devastating

In early July, a bipartisan group of Northwest lawmakers, including Dan Newhouse and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, introduced legislation, approving the Federal Columbia River Power System Biological Opinion until 2022.  The lawmakers said removing the Columbia and Snake River dams would hurt many communities, as well as the agriculture industry.  The Northwest Wheat community has been touting the importance of those dams for several years.

Michelle Hennings, Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers told the Washington Ag Network removing the dams would be devastating, since 90% of wheat grown here is exported.

“The Columbia River/Snake River system is the top wheat export gateway in the United States and the third larget export gateway in the world.  Over half, 54% of the wheat barged on the system is moving through one or more four lower Snake River dams.”

Hennings added it would take 137,000 semi trucks or 23,000 rail cars to transport the amount of grain currently barged down the river.  And she said that would have a devastating impact on the Northwest in a variety of ways.

“There would be lots of trucks put back on the road and then our infrastructure will suffer from it, as well as the environmental impact that it will have having those trucks on the road.  And a long with safety as well.”

Hennings said over $500 million has been invested in the Columbia River Grain Export Terminal in barge and loading capacity.  She also encouraged those who support removing the dams to contact local farmers to get a local perspective how the removal could negatively impact the ag economy.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com