washington business
A Renewed Treaty
Columbia River Treaty modernization a win for Washington .
Jacqueline Allison
For 60 years , the Columbia River Treaty has helped the U . S . and Canada collaboratively manage a critical resource . The river is an economic engine , providing clean hydropower , water for farmers , and more . This summer , the sides reached a preliminary agreement to update the treaty and ensure those benefits for years to come .
At A Glance
The United States and Canada ratified the Columbia River Treaty in 1964 . It allows the countries to coordinate the operation of hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River , helping ensure a consistent power supply and reduce damaging floods in the
Pacific Northwest .
The pact also supports agricultural irrigation and cargo transportation and provides environmental benefits .
In 2018 , the two sides began negotiations to modernize the treaty , reaching a preliminary agreement in July 2024 .
Under the updated treaty , the U . S . will keep more clean hydropower , helping meet the region ’ s surging demand for electricity . The treaty will also continue to provide flood control and help support salmon populations .
The Columbia River irrigates $ 8 billion in agricultural crops . ( Photo : Bonneville Power Administration )
In July , the United States and Canada reached a preliminary deal to modernize the Columbia River Treaty . The international pact spells out how the two countries manage the river and its system of hydroelectric dams , affecting everything from hydropower generation to flood control and irrigation .
After six years of tough negotiations , the agreement to update the 60-year-old treaty was a major milestone for the U . S . and Canada – and a positive for Washington state .
The 1,200-mile Columbia River and its tributaries cross seven states , starting in British Columbia and passing through parts of Washington , Idaho , Montana , Oregon , Wyoming , Nevada and Utah . The drainage basin covers 258,000 square miles , roughly the size of Texas .
The river is an economic powerhouse : it generates 40 % of U . S . hydropower , irrigates $ 8 billion in agricultural crops , and moves 42 million tons of commercial cargo valued at $ 20 billion annually .
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