I recently talked with Bill London. He asked about my plans for a legislative
newsletter for this coming session. I plan on sending out a weekly legislative
newsletter, and a more detailed analysis of some issues will be on my home page:
http://users.moscow.com/ttrail/
During the next two months, I would appreciate input, questions, concerns, etc.
from visionaries about legislative issues. I plan on starting a pre-legislative
newsletter to share information and legislative issues that I've been working
on.
Since the last legislative session I've continued to receive numerous inquiries
and questions about legislative issues. A few comments on water quality issues
and news may be of interest.
1. Outstanding River Resource--The designation of the Lochsa, Selway, and
the Middle Fork of the Salmon River as Outstanding River Resources is an
important piece of legislation to support in the 98 session. Governor
Batt will support this legislation, and we have an excellent chance of
getting it passed.
2. Snake River's Future and Salmon Recovery--Both issues are very important
to Idaho. An interesting report on this issue recently appeared in the
Idaho Wheat Commission Newsletter--"A "verbal battle" continues over the
fate of the four lower Snake River dams, including the cost of removal
and the unknown benefit of drawdown on salmon. The direct costs and
ripple effects of removal would clearly be borne by all of society, but
grain producers, handlers, and foreign customers dependent upon the river
for transport would be especially impacted, as would irrigators and
electricity users.
To date, little discussion has been heard from Oregon, Idaho, and
Washington departments of transportation with respect to the drawdown's
impact on road infrastructure. Breaching all four Snake River dams
would close eight ports and nine wheat elevators built to load barges.
Transporting one tone of wheat from Lewiston to Portland costs $25
by truck, $10.15 by rail, but only $5.55 by barge."
An interesting point raised by one farmer--"what will the environmental
impact of train and truck emissions be (assuming the four lower dams
are breached and barge traffic is eliminated) compared to the emissions
of current barge traffic." This is an interesting point. This is an
extremely complex question, and I hope that we continue to research and
examine all of the issues and alternatives.
3. Idaho Dairies and Water Quality--This may not be of great interest to
citizens in N. Idaho (we only have 15 dairy farmers north of Riggins
including the U. of Idaho dairy). Pat Takasugi, Director of Agriculture,
told me last week that all Idaho dairies will meet the requirements of
the Clean Water Act by the 1st of December. Pat has provided proactive
leadership in cooperation with the dairy industry. Closing down dairies
not in compliance gets attention.
Rep. Tom Trail, Dist. 5
Dr. Tom Trail
International Trails
2039 Mt. View Rd.
Moscow, Id. 83843
Tel: (208) 882-6077
Fax: (208) 882-0896
e mail ttrail@moscow.com