Demos Criticize Hastings’ River Plan Proposal Avoids Designating Hanford Reach As Wild, Scenic

Sat., Sept. 28, 1996

Associated Press

Rep. Doc Hastings’ proposal to extend a ban on dam-building and dredging on the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River - instead of designating it a wild and scenic river - is drawing criticism again from the Clinton administration.

And Democrat Rick Locke, who is running against the Washington Republican, said Friday he would make the federal designation one of his top priorities if elected to Congress.

“I think that is the best use of that river,” Locke said in an interview.

“It is the last remaining salmon spawning grounds on the Columbia River within the United States that has not been flooded or damaged,” he said.

Clinton has listed Hastings’ proposal as one of 42 items he objects to in a comprehensive national parks bill still pending in the final days of this Congress, Hastings said Friday.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., has proposed the 51-mile stretch of the Columbia River near the Hanford Nuclear Reservation be declared wild and scenic, prohibiting most development along its banks.

Hastings said the issue marks a clear difference between him and his opponent.

“The issue is who should control the land surrounding the Hanford Reach. I’m in favor of local control. He’s in favor, apparently, of federal control,” Hastings said.

Clinton administration officials earlier said they didn’t support Hastings’ bill because it doesn’t provide adequate protection for the waters that provide key spawning habitat for some of the river’s few remaining healthy salmon populations.

It also contains archaeological sites and also is home to bald eagles, waterfowl, deer, elk, coyote and dozens of rare, threatened and endangered plants.

Murray believes Hastings’ proposal is “an empty gesture” while her bill provides a comprehensive approach to managing the river.

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