River system comment period remains open

COLFAX – The first phone-in public comment meeting on the Draft Environmental Impact Study regarding the Columbia River System was held Tuesday, March 17. Three additional phone-in meetings occurred March 18, 19 and 25, with one more meeting today and the last phone-in meeting on Tuesday, March 31.

The draft EIS rejects dam breaching, stating the approach of breaching the dams would destabilize the power grid and increase overall greenhouse emissions. With the open comment period, the Port of Whitman County encourages residents to make their voices heard.

Sarah Highfield, port communications director, updated the port staff and commissioners on the first phone-in meeting at the port's Thursday meeting.

"With this being a teleconference instead of an in-person comment period, the numbers of those in attendance wasn't as high as expected," Highfield said. "The Port of Whitman was the only port district to make an official comment during the comment period."

Port Commissioner Kristine Meyer said she plans to listen in on the other teleconferences to listen to what others have to say and see if they are better attended.

During the teleconference, comments were presented both in support of keeping the dams along the river, as well as breaching the dams.

Port commissioners and staff were encouraged by Highfield to provide additional comments at the future teleconferences.

"Whether it is through phone or written comments, it is important to let them know your support of the dams," said Port Commissioner Tom Kammerzell.

Highfield mentioned that the port has sent out letters to local towns and cities to encourage these communities to write in a letter during the public comment period. She said the port will provide help to those who need it in writing letters to support the dams.

All teleconferences are scheduled from 4 to 8 p.m. To join a call residents can call toll free at 1-844-721-7241 with the access code of 5998146#.

The draft EIS can be found online at crso.info. Public comments can also be submitted through crso.info or mailed, postmarked by April 13, to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CRSO EIS P.O. Box 2870, Portland OR 97208-2870.