Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 25, 2000
Contact: Sandi Snell, Governor's Salmon Recovery Office, 360-902-2229
"I sincerely hope these recommendations, along with the federal biological opinion and All-H paper scheduled for release later this week, will form the beginnings of the region coming together on a long-term, comprehensive and coordinated approach.
"As we all know, the most polarizing and divisive issue we face is the fate of the lower Snake River dams. This document is an agreement to set aside the breaching option for now. We have made that key agreement, and I applaud the other governors' willingness to work with us on these recommendations.
"The agreement also issues an endorsement for a strong local effort on behalf of fish recovery. It recognizes that we cannot add more layers to a salmon recovery bureaucracy - adding to the duplication, confusion and frustration at the local level where real recovery must occur. A key component of local recovery plans will be setting water flow levels sufficient for fish recovery and ensuring that water quality standards are set and met on an expedited schedule. To do this, we will need specific funding support from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which the agreement endorses.
"The Four Governors' agreement states that we should explore creation of salmon sanctuaries, and that we must begin now with an early set of fish-friendly actions in the Columbia River estuary where we already have a plan ready to go. It also calls for a stronger partnership with the federal government. To implement this provision, the governors call for a single federal person, named by the President, to reside in the region and oversee federal efforts. Most important, this individual will serve as our personal point of contact for states, tribes and local governments. The governors also support stronger accountability measures for fish recovery so that we see demonstrated and cost-effective benefits for the BPA ratepayer funds spent in the region.
"The Four Governors' agreement makes specific recommendations in 24 areas of salmon recovery.
"I am extremely pleased that the governors could arrive at an agreement on such a significant set of issues. We have a great legacy in the Columbia River that we need to protect. The action steps outlined in this agreement should go a long way to help us restore our fish populations, and will do so in ways that do not jeopardize the economic benefits from the Columbia River power system that we so clearly enjoy."
Related Links:
- Salmon Recovery Office
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 25, 2000
Contact: Sandi Snell, Governor's Salmon Recovery Office, 360-902-2229
Statement by Gov. Gary Locke on Four Governors' agreement
OLYMPIA - After two months of discussions, the governors of Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Oregon today agreed upon key elements of a region-wide approach to salmon recovery in the Columbia River Basin. Washington Governor Gary Locke issued the following statement on the agreement:"I sincerely hope these recommendations, along with the federal biological opinion and All-H paper scheduled for release later this week, will form the beginnings of the region coming together on a long-term, comprehensive and coordinated approach.
"As we all know, the most polarizing and divisive issue we face is the fate of the lower Snake River dams. This document is an agreement to set aside the breaching option for now. We have made that key agreement, and I applaud the other governors' willingness to work with us on these recommendations.
"The agreement also issues an endorsement for a strong local effort on behalf of fish recovery. It recognizes that we cannot add more layers to a salmon recovery bureaucracy - adding to the duplication, confusion and frustration at the local level where real recovery must occur. A key component of local recovery plans will be setting water flow levels sufficient for fish recovery and ensuring that water quality standards are set and met on an expedited schedule. To do this, we will need specific funding support from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which the agreement endorses.
"The Four Governors' agreement states that we should explore creation of salmon sanctuaries, and that we must begin now with an early set of fish-friendly actions in the Columbia River estuary where we already have a plan ready to go. It also calls for a stronger partnership with the federal government. To implement this provision, the governors call for a single federal person, named by the President, to reside in the region and oversee federal efforts. Most important, this individual will serve as our personal point of contact for states, tribes and local governments. The governors also support stronger accountability measures for fish recovery so that we see demonstrated and cost-effective benefits for the BPA ratepayer funds spent in the region.
"The Four Governors' agreement makes specific recommendations in 24 areas of salmon recovery.
"I am extremely pleased that the governors could arrive at an agreement on such a significant set of issues. We have a great legacy in the Columbia River that we need to protect. The action steps outlined in this agreement should go a long way to help us restore our fish populations, and will do so in ways that do not jeopardize the economic benefits from the Columbia River power system that we so clearly enjoy."
Related Links:
- Salmon Recovery Office
| » Return to this month's News Releases |
| » View News Release Archive |
Home
Governor Locke
- About the Governor
- Cabinet
- Senior Staff
- Executive Orders
- Proclamations
- Boards and Commissions
- Contact the Governor
The First Lady
News Room
About Washington
- Washington State Facts
- Photo Gallery
- The 50 State QuartersTM Program
- State Legislature
- Washington Courts
- US Census 2000
- Register to Vote
Contact Us
Search
