Corps, OWRD seek input on use of Willamette reservoir storage space

PORTLAND, Ore. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Oregon Water Resources Department are seeking public input on how water storage space in the Corps’ Willamette Valley reservoirs could be reallocated for specific uses during the summer. 

The agencies’ Willamette River Basin Review Feasibility Study will look at how this storage space can help meet municipal and industrial water supply, irrigation, and fish and wildlife needs, while maintaining the Corps’ flood risk management mission and considering aspects of current dam operations that people value today. The State of Oregon has long identified the Corps’ 11 Willamette Valley Project storage reservoirs as a water supply source for meeting these basin needs. 

The Corps and OWRD are hosting two open-house information sessions to explain the 3-year feasibility study process and public involvement opportunities, and to gather input on issues to consider in the study. 

The sessions will be held Tuesday, March 15 at Pringle Community Hall, 606 Church St. SE, Salem, and Wednesday, March 16 at the City Hall/Library meeting room, 225 5th St., Springfield. Interested citizens are welcome to visit either session anytime between 3 and 5 p.m. or 6 and 8 p.m.

For more information about the Willamette River Basin Review feasibility study, please visit: http://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/About/CurrentProjects/WillametteBasinReview.aspx.