Feds move forward rejecting southeast Idaho dam project

BOISE, Idaho (AP) – Federal authorities have issued a final environmental impact statement recommending denial of a proposed dam in southeast Idaho on the Bear River.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released the document last week on the Bear River Narrows Project.

The document has a staff recommendation to deny a plan by Twin Lakes Canal Company to build a 109-foot-high dam with a 10-megawatt powerhouse. The 362-acre reservoir would provide irrigation water.

The federal agency cited the potential loss of 4.5 miles of river, 425 acres of wildlife habitat and the scenic Oneida Narrows as among the reasons to reject the project.

Twin Lakes Canal Company President Clair Bosen says the document recommending denial contains errors and he’s optimistic the federal agency will ultimately approve building the dam.