Like several state bills introduced in 1994, Oller's bills envision the kind of multipurpose dam proposed for the site in 1965. Oller's main goal is to make it a hydropower dam, generating 300 to 800 megawatts, said Patrick Bergin, Oller's spokesman. Davis' signature seems unlikely, because he hasn't supported the dam in the past. That lack of state support is one of the reasons Doolittle hasn't been pursuing the dam lately, said Richard Robinson, Doolittle's press secretary. Lack of support is one thing.
Mutual hostility is another.
And Doolittle and environmentalists remain archrivals. Rumors spread that Doolittle was about to renew his crusade for the Auburn dam. But Robinson said he would first need to line up state and local supporters. It would have held 2.3 million acre-feet of water. An acre-foot of water is enough to meet the water needs of a household of five for a year.