Dworshak Compensation Ok’d State, Tribe To Get Trust Funds, Despite Chenoweth Appeal To Bpa

The Bonneville Power Administration will compensate the state of Idaho and the Nez Perce Tribe for losses caused by Dworshak Reservoir, despite Congressman Helen Chenoweth’s objections.

The federal power marketing agency’s decision, announced Friday, follows publication of an assessment that found the compensation plan would have no significant environmental impact.

The deal is aimed at making up for 17,000 acres of wildlife habitat inundated when Dworshak Reservoir, near Orofino, was filled.

A Chenoweth spokeswoman said the Idaho Republican would continue to monitor the situation. Chenoweth previously urged BPA officials to reconsider the plan, citing private property rights and local economic impacts.

“Once again, we haven’t been listened to by the federal agencies, and that’s getting to be old hat,” said Clearwater County Commission Chairman V. James Wilson, who opposes the deal. “The whole solution is legislation, and I don’t know what the chances of that happening are.”

However, Gov. Phil Batt said he fully supports implementation of the agreement, which was signed three years ago by tribal, state and federal officials.

The pact establishes a $7.1 million trust fund for the Nez Perce Tribe and a separate $3.02 million trust fund for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The funds will be used to protect, mitigate and enhance wildlife and wildlife habitat affected by the dam.

The BPA also will transfer title of 60,000 acres on Craig Mountain in Lewis and Nez Perce counties and 130 acres of old-growth timber rights on Buck Creek to Fish and Game.