In a recent government meeting, Jeanne Finger, the chief dam safety engineer at Upriver Dam, outlined the upcoming relicensing process for the dam, which is set to begin in 2025. The dam, owned and operated by the city of Spokane, plays a crucial role in diverting Spokane River water for electricity generation, benefiting local drinking water customers.

The relicensing process, mandated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), is a multi-year project that will involve extensive data collection, stakeholder engagement, and environmental studies. The current license is set to expire in 2031, and the city aims to navigate the complexities of the relicensing, which includes collaboration with various federal and state agencies.

Finger emphasized that this process represents a significant opportunity for the city to implement changes that could enhance natural and cultural resources. The timeline includes preparing a pre-application document in 2025, filing a notice of intent in 2026, and conducting studies over the following three years. By 2029, FERC will conduct an environmental analysis, and the final two years will focus on obtaining necessary permits and authorizations.

Challenges highlighted during the meeting include potential stakeholder disagreements, particularly concerning environmental studies related to endangered species like the bull trout. The relicensing process is expected to be resource-intensive, with estimates suggesting costs could range from $1 million to $5 million, excluding additional expenses for any required protection and enhancement measures.

Councilman McKeichert expressed concern over the high costs and complexities involved in the relicensing process, underscoring the difficulties faced by local governments in managing such infrastructure projects. The city plans to issue a consultant request for qualifications and may increase staffing at Upriver Dam in the coming months to support this extensive undertaking.