(Priest Lake Outlet Dam, courtesy Idaho Department of Fish and Game)
The Senate Resources & Environment Committee introduced a bill Wednesday that would add state oversight to a controversial conservation measure proposed at the mouth of the Priest River in Bonner County…. Read the entire article on Idaho Public TV’s website.
Sen. Scott Herndon, R-Sagle, presented Senate Bill 1021, which would amend that law to stipulate the existing dam is the only structure authorized to release water from the lake, and that no siphon, gravity bypass, or other bypass device may be constructed without prior approval from the legislature and the governor.
March 21, 2023 Update:
Governor Brad Little signed into law Senate Bill 1021 (Protecting Priest Lake), a law which now requires that any alteration to the outlet control structure at Priest Lake be authorized by the Idaho state legislature and governor.
February 13, 2023 Update:
S1021 passed in the Senate 27 to 7 with 1 absent. It now moves to the House’s Resources & Conservation Committee. It will be considered there on March 9th.
There are 3 steps, out of 5, remaining in our efforts to preserve the lake:
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