KENNEWICK, WA. (AP) — A plan to spend $750,000 of state taxpayer money to study the impacts of tearing down four dams on the lower Snake River is not sitting well with Tri-Cities area supporters of the dams.
They’ve drafted a letter to Gov. Inslee saying the study would be a waste.
The latest push to remove the dams is tied to the decline of killer whales off the Washington coast. The orcas rely on chinook salmon, including from the Snake River, for most of their food.
Opponents say the study proposed by the governor duplicates federal studies.
The letter is intended to highlight the benefits of the hydroelectric dams, and about 17 local governments and agencies are expected to sign on.