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Crapo: Dam Breaching Should be 'On Table' by Associated Press KIVI TV, May 30, 2009

BOISE, Idaho - U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo infused new life into the debate over how to restore runs of endangered Idaho salmon, saying breaching dams should be discussed.

The Idaho Republican says helping salmon and steelhead is "probably the most complex issue we could try."

He says that means the discussion should include four Lower Snake River dams in Washington state blamed for impeding fish passage.

Crapo says, "Does that mean dam breaching must be on the table? Yes. But that also means not dam breaching must be on the table."

Idaho Rivers United, which favors dam breaching, welcomed Crapo's remarks.

But interests including in the inland port city of Lewiston have opposed breaching, however, on grounds dams provide electricity and reliable shipping for the region's timber and farm products.