Concern over dam breaches

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Wheat Growers is objecting to a biased report designed to push Democratic efforts to breach dams on the lower Snake River.

In comments opposing the dam-breaching effort and one-sided report, Wheat Growers CEO Chandler Goule said the organization is concerned about the push by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Shoreline, and Gov. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge Island.

“The dams play a vital role in providing a safe, efficient and affordable way for wheat farmers to get their product to market,” Goule said. “We are glad the recommendations released by Sen. Murray and Gov. Inslee recognize the role these dams play in agriculture and acknowledge dam breaching is not feasible at present. However, we remain concerned and opposed to breaching as it would be detrimental to wheat growers across the region.”

On June 9, the organization filed a formal public comment objecting to the push to tear down the dams in the name of salmon.

Both Inslee and Murray claim removing the dams would increase salmon and steelhead runs and help the south Puget Sound orca population.

“Wheat farmers move grain most efficiently by using the waterway instead of rail or truck while reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Goule said. “NAWG remains committed to working with our federal partners and stakeholders to meet the challenge of helping facilitate a healthy river ecosystem while supporting wheat growers.”

The comments come during an election year for Murray.

While Murray is pushing to remove dames, Republican challenger Tiffany Smiley of Pasco is opposing the effort.

Smiley grew up on a farm in Franklin County.