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The start of summer also heralds the return of NHA’s Clean Currents Conference + Tradeshow, which takes place from October 7 – 10, 2024, in Portland, Oregon!
Oregon, like much of the Pacific Northwest, is hydro country, and Portland’s proximity to the Columbia River makes it an excellent starting point for those looking to explore hydropower projects like the Bonneville Lock and Dam. Spots on the tour of Bonneville Lock and Dam will go quickly, and tickets cost $50. Additionally, the deadline for registering for non-U.S. citizens is June 26, while U.S. citizens have until August 30.
Interested attendees should contact Marla Barnes at marla@hydro.org for more information and to guarantee a spot.
On Tuesday morning, October 8, attendees of Clean Currents will have the opportunity to tour the 1,200 MW project, which has the capability to power 900,000 homes. Bonneville is located near Oregon’s famous Multnomah Falls, the second-highest year-round waterfall in the U.S.
Nestled in the Columbia River Gorge, an 85 mile stretch dividing Oregon and Washington, Bonneville spans the river, offering guests the opportunity to explore powerhouses located in both states!
Tour participants must provide identification information at the time of registration (photo copy of driver’s license for U.S. participants; photo copy of passport for all non-U.S. residents).
The Columbia River Gorge, which stretches for 85-miles between Oregon and Washington.
OVERVIEW OF BONNEVILLE LOCK AND DAM
Bonneville Lock & Dam, built and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, was the first federal lock and dam on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. The project’s first powerhouse, spillway, and original navigation lock were completed in 1938 to improve navigation on the Columbia River while providing hydropower to the Pacific Northwest. A second powerhouse was completed in 1982, and a larger navigation lock in 1993.
Today, the project is a critical part of the water resource management system that provides power generation, navigation, water quality improvement, fish and wildlife habitat, including fish passage and recreation, along the Columbia River.
A Public Works Administration project of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, portions of Bonneville Lock and Dam Project were declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.
Bonneville Lock and Dam located on the Columbia River.
TOUR DETAILS
The tour of Bonneville Dam will include visits to the navigation lock, powerhouse one including the powerhouse floor, and the Bradford Island Visitor Center and fish ladder.
The tour bus will depart Portland at 7AM with arrival at Bonneville Dam to begin the tour at approximately 8 AM.
The tour will last approximately 3 hours and will return to Portland around noon.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Clean Current attendees interested in signing up for the tour should email Marla Barnes at marla@hydro.org for more instructions. Tickets for the tour are $50.
