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Marion County commissioners say they're monitoring report of possible Detroit Lake drawdown, plan intergovernmental follow-up
Summary
Commissioners discussed a newspaper report that the Army Corps of Engineers might draw down Detroit Lake and said they will work with cities and federal agencies to assess risks and protect communities along the Santiam River.
Marion County commissioners on Jan. 15 raised concerns about a newspaper article reporting a potential drawdown at Detroit Lake and said the county will pursue additional information and coordinate with cities and federal agencies.
A commissioner told colleagues the county received initial briefings from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in October that indicated Detroit would not face a drawdown; in late December the county learned those conclusions had changed. "This was news to us," the commissioner said, describing recent communication from local elected officials and the need to get "in the weeds" with the Army Corps to "figure out how to protect our communities." The board said it would work with the cities of Salem and Keizer and other jurisdictions along the Santiam River.
Commissioners said staff and board members will participate in additional meetings and that some members serve on outside committees and foundations related to Detroit Lake matters. The board emphasized the issue is evolving and that more information is expected from staff and federal partners.
No formal action was taken at the Jan. 15 session; commissioners characterized the newspaper report as a prompt to coordinate and to gather technical information. The board indicated further updates will follow as staff and regional partners engage with the Army Corps and other agencies.
Evidence: Commissioners' remarks about Detroit Lake appear in the Jan. 15 meeting transcript.
