The Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement is a settlement agreement among residents of the Klamath Basin that creates a solid path forward on long-standing, stalemated resource disputes in the region.
The goal of the KBRA is to foster restoration of the Klamath Basin in a manner that supports and enhances the Basin's diverse rural economies including farming, ranching and fishing. The KBRA outlines how diverse interests will work together to implement negotiated provisions, design measures that are still needed, and cooperatively manage resources into the future.
The KBRA Equals Jobs. Here’s why:
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The KBRA will provide economic development opportunities for Klamath and Siskiyou Counties associated with agriculture, fisheries, tourism and recreation, and alternative energy.
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KBRA implementation will create a climate that attracts investment in our communities, which will result in more jobs.
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Family Farms and Ranches are the economic backbone of the Basin, contributing over $300 million directly¹ – and an estimated $300 million indirectly² to the Basin’s economy.
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Family Farms and Ranches account for over 4500 direct and induced jobs in the region’s workforce. ³ Property taxes and paychecks are spent locally.
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The KBRA will lead to significant renewable energy investments that will create new jobs and affordable energy.
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The KBRA means economic certainty and stability for local businesses, farms and ranches.
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With the KBRA, less money will be spent on legal battles over water rights, and more money will be spent locally.
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The KBRA is about maintaining a way of life. The stability it brings will ensure that Family Farms and Ranches continue to be a major contributor to our local economy – for generations to come.
Draft Environmental Impact Statement finds that:
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Klamath restoration program could add more than 4,600 jobs to the regional economy over 15 years including around 1,400 during the year of dam removal.
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The reliability in water supplies that would be gained will boost gross farm income and add between 70 and 695 jobs annually to the agricultural economy.
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Klamath restoration will help address tribal trust issues for the Klamath River Basin Tribes and will be beneficial to water quality, fisheries, and traditional cultural practices.
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There will be benefits to commercial salmon fishermen. Eleven coastal counties in Oregon and California could see gains of more than 400 jobs as a result of improved fishing conditions.
Sources:
1. United States Bureau of Reclamation
2. Phil Hayworth, Pioneer Press, Fort Jones, CA, January 30, 2008
3. Klamath County IMPLAN Model 2008
Klamath Dam Removal Facts
The KBRA is good for agriculture, the economy, and jobs.
