Knocking on EWEB's door

VIDA: "We've structured what we've presented tonight not just to take a position but to look at the whole decision that has been made by EWEB to see what is the right thing to do," was how Bob Weeks summed up the purpose of a meeting that drew more than four dozen people last week. The gathering at the Vida McKenzie Community Center last Tuesday was sponsored by Neighbors For Neighbors, which grew out of the Save Leaburg Lake group.

"It isn't for us to say the dam should stay," Weeks explained. "If it's absolutely the right thing to do, then perhaps we ought to listen to that, but it's not a proven case."

Someone with unanswered questions was East Lane County Commissioner Heather Buch. "Not many people know what the impact will be on the county," she said.

"What I'm concerned about is that when the dam is removed, who are they going to ask to maintain the new bridge," Buch added. "And who will maintain the roads to the bridge? And who are they going to ask to come out and rescue people after those decisions have been made?" The answers, she said, "are going to be the county."

Buch said those types of unresolved issues have caused her to become involved in the process "to make sure life and safety is taken into consideration. Also," she added, "what are the ongoing costs going to be to county residents?"

Oregon District 12 State Representative Charlie Conrad offered a helping hand. He said he was impressed with a petition, Neighbors For Neighbors, in circulation that calls for a new review of the process that led to the utility's decision to remove Leaburg Dam and other infrastructure. "It simply asks the question-just look at it again," he said.

He encouraged people to "come to the state reps, county commissioners, and senators. There are a lot of ears that would be willing to listen to what you have to say, but it's got to be something that we can take action on."

He also recommended getting Oregon's federal delegation (U.S. Senators and Congressmen) involved to attract the attention of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Regarding getting the state involved, Conrad said there are ongoing discussions around wildfires and emergency evacuations, "this is the time to do it. Perhaps getting some money directly dedicated from the legislature for an independent study," he added.

Conrad also suggested keeping an eye on what challenges the City of Lowell has been dealing with related to the drawdown of the Lookout Dam and the status of a parallel bridge constructed next to the Lowell Covered Bridge.

Joe LeFleur suggested another avenue for research. He told the group he'd been in contact with an investment group interested "in buying the whole (Leaburg) project, restoring our fish hatchery, and keeping the power canal going."

"That," LeFleur said, "would save hundreds of millions of dollars to remove that stuff, but EWEB won't meet with them."

"Our plan, if we get enough signatures," he said, "is to go and beat on the doors of anyone."

So far, Weeks said he's had some positive contacts with the Oregon Dept. of Energy after asking them to envision "thousands of emergency generators versus having one power station working" during an emergency."