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Newhouse Announces Columbia River Treaty Town Hall in Richland

November 22, 2019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) announced that the Department of State and Northwest Power and Conservation Council will host a town hall to discuss the modernization of the Columbia River Treaty regime. The event comes at the behest of Rep. Newhouse, who officially requested the opportunity on October 17, 2019.

"Perhaps no one is more aware of the influence the CRT has on our communities and economies than those living in the greater Columbia Basin region," wrote Rep. Newhouse. "Residents in Tri-Cities and throughout the area are no stranger to the critical role federal water and power infrastructure plays in our daily lives… It is crucial that their questions, concerns, and feedback regarding the ongoing negotiations are heard by the State Department."

WHAT: Town Hall to Discuss Modernization of the Columbia River Treaty

WHERE: U.S. Federal Building Auditorium, 825 Jadwin Avenue, Richland, WA

WHEN: Monday, December 16, 2019 from 5:30PM to 7:00PM PST

U.S. Columbia River Treaty Negotiator Jill Smail will lead the town hall, which is free of charge and open to the public. U.S. government representatives will provide an overview of the negotiations and take questions from the public. For more information, including call-in details, please see the Department of State's Treaty website, which will be updated as the meeting date approaches.

Background:

The Columbia River Treaty is an international model for transboundary water cooperation. The 1964 treaty's flood risk and hydropower operations have provided substantial benefits to millions of people on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border. The treaty has also facilitated support for the river's ecosystem. More information can be found here.