Newhouse Requests CRT Town Hall In Tri-Cities

As the U.S. and Canada look to update the Columbia River Treaty, Representative Dan Newhouse is working to bring the conversation to Central Washington.  Newhouse said he reached out to the office of CRT negotiator Jill Smail in mid-October, and received a preliminary response, but no confirmation at this point, when such a town hall would take place.

Newhouse said it’s absolutely necessary that those living and working in the 4^th District have an opportunity to share their thoughts and concerns about the ongoing Columbia River Treaty negotiations.  He pointed out the impacts of the treaty are far reaching.

“Hydroelectric power, flood control, irrigation requirements, all of the many benefits that Central Washington gets from the Columbia River System.  And the treaty with Canada is a critical treaty that we need to have modernized.”

Town hall meeting have already taken place in Spokane, Boise, Portland and Kalispell, MT.  Newhouse added he’s hopeful a Tri-Cities town hall can take place in the coming weeks.

The Columbia River Treaty was first signed by the United States and Canada in 1961.

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