The future of the Columbia River Treaty between the U.S. and Canada will be the subject of 14 public meetings to be held around the Pacific Northwest starting April 10 in Spokane. A session in Pasco is scheduled for May 7.

The Columbia River Treaty dates back to 1964; it is a series of cooperative efforts between the two countries on issues such as power generation, flood control and others. The U.S. or Canada can terminate the treaty at anytime on or after September 2024, with a minimum of ten years notice (2014).

According to the Army Corps of Engineers press release:

Those attending the meetings will:

  • Learn how federal agencies manage water in the Columbia River Basin.
  • Learn about the Columbia River Treaty, its history and its value.
  • Discuss the potential future of the Treaty and the efforts underway to understand what change could mean to the Northwest.

The treaty also includes environmental factors. The Pasco meeting will be held May 7 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express on Convention Place near TRAC. Additional information can be found at the official treaty website. The public is encouraged to come, learn more, and give their input.

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