196 



199S Federal Appropriations Recommendations - 



1. Army Corps of Engineers - On an expedited basis, Fund SI 2 million to acquire 

 four additional barges for juvenile salmon transportation. Implement strategy thai 

 releases transported salmon closer to estuary. 



2. Army Corps of Engineers - Fund S2 Million for expedited investigation of the 

 feasibility of surface fish collector facility or extended-length screens at Lower 

 Granite Dam and net pen transportation prototype for use below Bonneville Dam. 



Consistency with NMFS Recovery Team (Bevan) Plan - 



"In the Team's view improved smolt collection at the Snake River dams and transport 

 to the lower Columbia River is the option that must be used until better options are 

 developed... barges should be designed to lower stress, barge exits should be modified 

 to allow dispersed release, research should be conducted to evaluate various release 

 sites in the lower Columbia." pg 18, Team Final Recomm , Summary 



Consistency with NPPC Strategy for Salmon - 



"On an expedited basis, improve salmon transportation by upgrading facilities and 

 improving operations. Improvements should include ... minimize fish densities,... 

 developing smolt release strategies, including dispersing fish to minimize predation. 

 Immediately evaluate ... alternative release sites downstream. Expedite funding for a 

 preliminary evaluation of a) the feasibility of constructing and operating alternative 

 fish bypass and collection facilities at the upstream end of Lower Granite Reservoir, ... 

 c) the feasibility and benefits of net pens to increase survival of transported fish." pg 

 40, Strategy for Salmon Vol II 



IV. JOHN DAY RESERVOIR DRAWDOWN 



Background - Northwest electric ratepayers, through the Bonneville Power 

 Administration, are funding the Corps of Engineers to conduct studies and Advanced Plaiming 

 and Design (AP&D) activities for a John Day Reservoir drawdown. According to the Corps, 

 1994 through 1999 AP&D studies are estimated to cost about $12 million. A drawdown from 

 263 f^ elevation to 257 ft elevation is the proposal under consideration with studies requested 

 by the Northwest Power Plaiming Council in its Strategy for Salmon. Studies were conducted 

 under the Corps' System Configuration Study (SCS). The plan lacks scientific basis, is high 

 cost, and negatively impacts resident fish, wildlife, and area conununities. The plan was 

 discarded by the NMFS Recovery Team. At recent regional public meetings, no individual 

 supported any form of drawdown of the John Day Reservoir. 



