Vanport was the second largest “city” in Oregon prior to 1948. Located within the Columbia River flood plain, the unofficial city housed thousands of war-time defense employees working primarily in the shipbuilding industry. Its short-lived existence came to an end, however, in the spring of 1948 when uncharacterstic rain and warm weather caused widespread flooding in the Columbia River. The river claimed Vanport along with a number of lives, resulting in added attention for the need for flood control within the Columbia River basin. The event prompted not only the Flood Control Act of 1950, but also vigorous discussion with Canada regarding flood management north of the border where in excess of 35% of Columbia River flow originates.
In 1964, the United States and Canada entered a treaty providing for the construction of dams for the purpose of storage and flood control. As a result, 3 Canada dams were constructed to withhold and store large volumes of water during run-off months. The stored water is then released throughout the year to sustain hydro-power generation downstream in the United States. In return, the United States grants energy entitlement to Canada that carries an estimated value of 250-350 million dollars per year. By its terms, the first opportunity to change or cancel our Treaty with Canada occurs in 2024. However, either side must provide at least 10 years advance notice to the other. Hence, 2014.
A lot has changed since 1964. Therefore, a colloborative effort between stakeholders, the Bureau of Reclamation, Corps of Engineers, Tribes, and numerous federal, state, and local governments is developing a recommendation as to whether the United States should seek to continue, cancel or change the Treaty. Those involved are reviewing data and modeling with respect to how continuation, modification or termination of the Treaty may affect key interests such as flood control, water supply, hydro-power, and ecological goals. The process is now entering its final stages. A recommendation will be forwarded to Department of State and Oval Office by the end of 2013.
Additional information is available at www.crt2014-2024review.gov.
