Two Mat-Su public hearings on the proposed Susitna River dam this week brought out both supporters and opponents, but almost everyone agreed that the $4.3 billion, 700-foot-high dam shouldn't damage salmon runs, reports The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman.
State biologists this week announced sweeping chinook fishing limits in the Susitna drainage due to expected low returns. Many hearing participants urged the commission to make sure the project doesn't impede Susitna's salmon runs.
"There's never been a dam built in the world that doesn't affect fish habitat," said Palmer educator Chris Jones. "Show me a river that's not been impacted by a dam and I'll give you a year's pay."
Read more at The Frontiersman. The state's website for the dam is here.