08/04/05 Approval for powerhouse at Arrowrock

Voters in four southwestern irrigation districts have given their approval to a plan to finance a hydroelectric plant at Arrowrock Dam east of Boise. More than two thirds of the voters in Tuesday's election said 'yes' but it's only the first of several steps to be taken says Daren Coon of the Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District. COON "The districts need to work with FERC in order to reestablish a firm license for power generation at Arrowrock Dam." If they get federal approval they have to negotiate a contract for construction of the power plant. It would be financed through 41 million dollars in revenue bonds. The electricity generated at Arrowrock would go a power district near Astoria, Oregon. COON "Clatskanie Peoples Utility District. Through the Northwest Power grid the electricity will be wheeled out of Idaho into Oregon." But what happens if Arrowrock runs dry? COON "It was contemplated in the vote includes clauses for dry year reserve funds. The revenue has been set aside to maintain it through those dry years." Arrowrock is the only one of the three Boise River dams without a hydropower project. Voice of Idaho Agriculture Bill Scott