[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 98 (Tuesday, July 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1368]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RESTORING SALMON ON THE ELWHA RIVER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. RICK WHITE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 21, 1998

  Mr. WHITE. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill to keep the 
process of restoring salmon on the Elwha River moving forward. It's 
important that we have a legislative proposal in the House and it is my 
hope that this bill will set the stage for negotiations that will lead 
to an agreement on removing the Elwha dams.
  Over the past few years, I've been working with many Members of the 
House to secure funding for the Elwha River restoration project. I 
believe that the Elwha River is one place where we can invest our 
limited dollars and get a wonderful return on our investment. Currently 
we spend approximately $435 million every year on the Columbia and 
Snake Rivers and have little to show for it. In the case of the Elwha, 
a one-time payment of about $100 million will create a pristine river, 
and perfect salmon habitat, from glacier to salt water.
  Since 1995, I have had the pleasure of working with the people of the 
Port Angeles community, Chairman Regula, Senator Gorton, Congressman 
Dicks, and the Administration on this issue. When we started this 
process in 1995, there wasn't much interest in the Elwha project and 
Senator Gorton had strong reservations about moving forward.
  But as I introduce this bill today, I realize just how much has 
changed over the past few years. Thanks to the people of the Port 
Angeles community, who have been the driving force behind this project, 
as well as my colleagues in Congress, we've made considerable progress 
in securing some funding for the Elwha project. We started this process 
in 1996 by getting authorizing language in the fiscal year 1997 Budget 
Resolution recognizing the environmental benefits of restoring this 
unique river system. Since we started in 1995 we have been successful 
in securing $11 million in funding toward dam acquisition.
  The legislation I have introduced today is meant to modify the 
proposal that is being considered in the Senate. Senator Gorton has 
included language in the fiscal year 1999 Interior Appropriations bill 
authorizing acquisition of both the Elwha and Glines dams and 
authorizing removal of both dams subject to the availability of 
appropriations. In the process, however, Senator Gorton made clear that 
the uses of the federal hydroelectric facilities on the Columbia and 
Snake Rivers would not be affected by actions on the Elwha. I agree 
wholeheartedly with the Senator's intentions.
  But Senator Gorton and I haven't always agreed on the details. That 
is why I am introducing legislation today that is designed to perfect 
the approach he has taken in the Senate. My legislation will authorize 
acquisition of both facilities and the removal of the lower Elwha dam, 
subject to availability of appropriations. My bill also includes an 
independent scientific review on the benefits of removal prior to 
removal of the upper dam so that whatever decision we make is based on 
good, sound science.
  I strongly share Senator Gorton's concerns that the actions taken on 
the Elwha dam set absolutely no precedent on dam removal on the 
Columbia or Snake River or their tributaries. For that reason, my bill 
specifically states that dam removal on the Elwha River will not set a 
precedent on the Columbia or Snake river systems. Finally, my bill 
provides that no hydroelectric facility can be removed or significantly 
modified structurally without Congressional approval.
  I am very pleased that over the past few months Senator Gorton has 
indicated a willingness on the Elwha project. As we work out the final 
details on the Interior Appropriations bill, I encourage the House 
Interior Appropriations Subcommittee to look at my legislation as a 
balanced solution to restoring salmon on the Elwha River.

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