Dam task force proposal nets GOP response

Washington Governor Jay Inslee put forth his $54.3 billion budget proposal Dec. 13, including $750,000 for a state task force to study possible breaching of the Lower Snake River dams – and other options in the name of efforts to protect salmon and orcas.

Eastern Washington congressional representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R) and Dan Newhouse (R) released a statement two hours later.

The task force would consider costs and benefits of various options, including how to replace power generated from the dams in the event of taking them out. How to replace barge cargo shipments from Lewiston t...