Contact: Mick Shea (406) 293-7751, ext. 211    Nola Leyde (206) 764-6896

Libby, Mont. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold an informational meeting regarding 2007 Libby Dam operations on May 17 in the Ponderosa Room at the Libby City Hall from 7 to 9:30 p.m. MDT.

The Corps will present information on operations for 2007, which will include an update on current water conditions, hydrological forecast, operations for fish, and the status of levees downstream.

Earlier this year the Corps announced the planned operations for Libby Dam in a decision document signed by Brig. Gen. Gregg F. Martin, commander of the Northwestern Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

In 2007, the Corps is operating to a strict variable flow (VARQ) flood control protocol with fish flows. The operational decision was based on the Corps’ Determination and Finding, Columbia River Flood Control Operation at Libby Dam, 2007 Operating Year, which was signed by General Martin in January. The decision was based on input and recommendations received during public meetings and listening sessions with Federal, Tribal and State agencies.

Under strict VARQ flood control, an alternative to Standard Flood Control, the Corps is able to provide additional water releases from Libby Dam in the spring for Kootenai River white sturgeon, and in the summer for Columbia River salmon and steelhead.

Libby Dam is a multi-purpose water resource development. Its purposes are flood damage reduction, hydropower, fish and wildlife, and recreation.

Information at the meeting will be focused on the 2007 operations at Libby Dam. Decisions on future operations are currently being evaluated.

For more information about the meeting, contact Mick Shea, Libby Dam project manager at (406) 293-7751, ext. 211.