State Seeks Public Input On Water Issues

The public is being asked to comment twice next week on state water issues.

In a series of statewide workshops, the Washington Department of Ecology is asking for ideas to protect salmon while using the Columbia River for other purposes.

“Our state is faced with some very difficult decisions” about allocating river water and protecting water rights, said Ecology Director Tom Fitzsimmons.

The Spokane workshop is Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Ecology’s Eastern Regional Office, N. 4601 Monroe.

At another series of meetings, citizens are invited to discuss watershed planning under a new program signed into law by Gov. Gary Locke. Local governments, tribes, citizens and environmental groups have been asked for their ideas.

That workshop will be 3-5 p.m. Tuesday at Ecology’s Spokane offices.

, DataTimes