Oregon Governor signs historic Klamath Basin agreements

February 19th, 2010 - 5:37 am ICT by BNO News  

SALEM, OREGON (BNO NEWS) – Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chief Executive Officer of PacifiCorp Greg Abel, tribal leaders and stakeholders from the Klamath Basin signed two historic agreements to restore the Klamath River Basin on Thursday, the Governor’s Office announced.

The Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement and the Klamath Hydroelectric Settlement Agreement represent the largest river and salmon restoration effort in U.S. history. Both agreements will work to resolve water quantity, water quality, and fish and wildlife resources issues in the Klamath River Basin that has decades of conflict.

In 2001 a devastating drought hit the Klamath Basin and one year later, in 2002, tens of thousands of salmon died. Following these events a federal partnership was formed in 2004 and ultimately evolved into the agreements signed on Thursday.

The agreements highlight three steps. First, restore and sustain natural fish production. Second, establish reliable water and power supplies for various uses. Third, contribute to the economy and welfare of the nearby communities.

The estimated cost for implementing these measures is around $41 million for the first year and $97 million for the next decade. Oregon and California congressional delegations will work with federal agencies and the Obama Administration in order to fulfill the objectives set in both agreements.

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