Grain from eastern Washington is barged downriver at low cost through locks in the dams. The economic life of the region is linked to dams. But the barriers are fish-killers. Salmon struggle to find fish ladders designed to lead migrations around the dams. Water temperatures rise in the stopped-up lakes, killing young smolts.
Turbine blades chew up fish headed to sea.
Removing the dams would give several imperiled runs of fish a clear path to stream beds and lakes where eggs are laid. Money is found on both sides of the arguments. Fishing groups claim restored runs will lead to more jobs in their ranks. But, dam supporters counter that there will be higher prices elsewhere. It will cost more to ship grain by rail or truck, irrigation water may go up in price and electric rates could rise too.