156 



Columbia River basin with the goal of developing a system operat- 

 ing strategy to meet regional water use needs. 



In the Snake River system, the lack of water storage often re- 

 sults in power production and salmon measures competing for the 

 same limited available water resource. To increase the available 

 water for both, additional storage would be necessary. 



The System Configuration Study; that is a study to look at the 

 existing system structures, to determine how we could modify those 

 structures if needed, is looking at, among other alternatives, in- 

 creased storage capacity in the Snake River basin to provide for in- 

 creased flows. 



Another potential action is to further reduce flood control at ex- 

 isting storage projects. Already the Corps has made extensive 

 changes in the flood control requirements to make more water 

 available for fish. The SOR analyses consider hydro system flow 

 augmentation scenarios which could further modify system flood 

 control. The evaluation is addressing the flood risk, economic con- 

 siderations and other factors associated with the strategy. 



I want to emphasize the need for additional scientific information 

 in this area. Currently we do not know with any certainty how 

 much salmon survival would be improved with increased flows. 



We are pleased that you raised the series of questions related to 

 the institutional arrangements for salmon recovery implementa- 

 tion. Several of them are in fact the very questions the Corps, BPA 

 and the Bureau have identified and are exploring in the Columbia 

 River Systems Operation Review. And I think that you mentioned 

 something about that early on. 



Besides the system operating strategy I have already mentioned, 

 the SOR is evaluating alternatives in three other areas. 



I am at my limit and let me close. 



Mr. DeFazio. You have a lot to say, General, but we cannot get 

 to it. Go ahead and sum up. 



General Harrell. The final concept you mentioned is a new en- 

 tity or an existing agency designated with authority to mandate 

 salmon recovery action. I think that is an interesting concept and 

 we can t^k about that later during your questioning. 



Mr. DeFazio. All right. 



General Harrell. Let me just conclude by saying that I believe 

 that our stafl" in the region has worked very hard and with a lot 

 of dedication to carry out the Council's measures as well as to meet 

 the measures and the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. 



I would also add that a lot of our resources have been diverted 

 because of the many and various lawsuits on all sides that demand 

 our attention, not only us in the Corps, but the other federal agen- 

 cies as well. 



And I would close by saying that I appreciate the opportunity 

 and the time and attention that you have given me to add my voice 

 to the call for continued cooperation and progress to preserve and 

 to restore Columbia as well as the Snake salmon stocks. 



Thank you. 



Mr. DeFazio. Thank you, General. Mr. Smith. 



[Prepared statement of General Harrell follows:] 



