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| State of Oregon contributes $3.5 million to dam removal projects on Rogue River | ||
| 08/10/2006 | ||
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09-06
For immediate releaseNews media contact: Monte Turner, 503-986-0195 Projects include dam removal at Gold Hill and Savage Rapids The Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board has authorized more than $3.5 million to assist with two major projects that maintain water for various uses while removing the two highest ranked fish passage barriers on the Rogue River. Since 2001, OWEB has invested approximately $3 million for Savage Rapids Dam removal. In addition, the OWEB Board in March 2006 approved $541,500 to complete the removal of Gold Hill Dam. The removal of these barriers on the main stem of the river will improve passage for juvenile and adult fall and spring Chinook, coho, summer and winter steelhead and resident trout species. “Both projects provide significant benefits for fish while maintaining water for municipal, irrigation and recreation purposes,” said Tom Byler, OWEB executive director. “The two projects are great examples of local folks working together with state and federal agencies to develop win-win solutions to important watershed concerns,” said OWEB’s regional program representative Mark Grenbemer. Project partners for the Savage Rapids Dam removal include the Grants Pass Irrigation District, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Oregon Water Resources Department, Water Watch and OWEB. The Bureau of Reclamation this week announced awarding the first part of a contract for construction of a pumping plant and subsequent removal of a major portion of the dam. Partners for the Gold Hill Dam removal include the City of Gold Hill, the Rogue Valley Council of Governments, the World Wildlife Fund, OWEB, American Rivers and the Rogue Basin Fish Passage Technical Team. Dam removal is currently expected to start in the summer of 2008. OWEB actions support the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds, created in 1997. Funding comes from the Oregon Lottery as a result of a citizen initiative in 1998, sales of salmon license plates, federal salmon funds and other sources. For more information, visit www.oregon.gov/OWEB or call OWEB in Salem at 503-986-0178. #######
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