April 27, 2005

TERRACE – Premier Gordon Campbell today announced that a BC Liberal government will build a new Cold Water Release Facility at the Kenney Dam to improve fish habitat in the Nechako River basin and in the Murray-Cheslatta watershed.

“It’s been 50 years since the Nechako River was dammed and it’s time for us to take a major step in revitalizing the Fraser River’s most important salmon spawning tributary and reviving a watershed that is integral to our fisheries heritage and to the Cheslatta First Nations community,” said Campbell.

Building the Cold Water Release Facility is part of the B.C. Liberal strategy to revitalize B.C.’s wild salmon stock. This strategy includes a $7 million Living Rivers Trust Fund to protect and restore B.C.’s rivers, and establishing the Pacific Salmon Forum.

“One of our Great Goals is to lead the world in sustainable environmental management with the best fisheries management, and saving the Nechako River Basin will enable us to make real progress in saving Chinook salmon and the endangered white sturgeon,” said Campbell.

Premier Campbell said that a B.C. Liberal government will resume negotiations with Alcan, First Nations, and local communities with the intention of moving ahead with the construction of the Kenney Dam Cold Water Release Facility for completion by 2010.

Benefits of a Cold Water Release Facility at Kenney Dam include:

• Lower risks to Chinook salmon and the endangered white sturgeon on the Nechako River through more natural water flows and summer water temperature management.
• Environmental rehabilitation of the Murray-Cheslatta system made possible by reduced, more natural flows through the Skins Lake Spillway.
• Greater ability to react to unanticipated flood events.
• Increased fisheries-related recreation and tourism in Murray-Cheslatta and Nechako regions.
• Implementation of economic development plans for the Cheslatta First Nation, and restoration of culturally significant sites and activity.