The cost of the Klamath River dam removal project is being shared by the federal government, PacificCorp, and the state government of California.
The removal of the dams on the Klamath River is a significant undertaking aimed at restoring the river's ecosystem and supporting salmon populations. This complex project involves a multi-party funding agreement to cover the extensive costs associated with decommissioning and deconstructing the dams.
Funding Breakdown
The financial responsibility for the Klamath dam removal is distributed among three primary entities:
- Federal Government: Contributes half of the total funding.
- PacificCorp: Bears a portion of the remaining costs.
- California State Government: Covers the other portion of the remaining costs.
This arrangement means that while the federal government provides a substantial share, the utility company (PacificCorp) that owns the dams and the state of California share the responsibility for the rest of the expenses.
To illustrate the distribution, if the federal government covers 50% of the cost, PacificCorp and California's state government would each be responsible for splitting the remaining 50%.
| Funder | Proportion of Cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Government | Half | Provides a significant portion, reflecting the national interest in environmental restoration and indigenous rights. |
| PacificCorp | A portion of remaining half | As the owner and operator of the dams, PacificCorp contributes to the costs, a part of a larger agreement to remove the dams and address their environmental impacts. |
| California State Government | A portion of remaining half | California's government allocates funds to support the project, acknowledging the state's interest in river restoration, salmon recovery, and environmental health within its borders. |
This collaborative funding approach ensures that the financial burden is distributed, making the extensive project feasible. The aim is to revitalize the Klamath River, which has been severely impacted by the dams, affecting fish migration and water quality.
