SNAKE RIVER DAM LEGISLATIVE TOUR

Continuing the importance of telling the story of how the Lower Snake River dams are vital continues. Wheat and potato industry stakeholders brought 13 federal legislative staffers to Lewiston, Idaho, in August to showcase the lower Snake River dams and the critical services they provide to the Pacific Northwest. The educational tour included a boat ride through the locks at Lower Granite Dam, followed by a tour of the dam’s state-of-the-art fish passage system and a trip to the powerhouse. The group visited Idaho’s only seaport; the Port of Lewiston followed by dinner at Lindsay Creek Vineyard. Visitors included staff from many PNW congressional offices, as well as staff from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee; House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries; and the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment. Industry stakeholders who participated in the tour and spoke to the group included representatives from several ports, transportation groups, cruise lines, and advocacy groups.