Grange Sponsored Dam Bill Passes Committee
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, April 2, 2008, --- The California State Grange won an early victory in the effort to build a new dam across the Pit River in Modoc County. Legislation that would approve a feasibility study paving the way for construction of the Ostrum Point Dam passed out of the State Assembly Water, Parks & Wildlife Committee April 1. The bill, AB 2434, moves on to the Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
Testifying before the committee in support of AB 2434 were California State Grange President Randall Lewis, Assemblyman Doug La Malfa (2nd Assembly District), Modoc County Supervisor Dave Bradshaw, Lassen County Supervisor Brian Dahle, and Norm Carpadus from the Lookout Grange in Modoc County. Also present was California State Grange Legislative Director Michael Greene.
The proposed dam would provide water storage for irrigation, prevent flooding, generate electrical power, and create a recreation area, attracting tourists to this economically depressed farming and ranching region seventy-five miles northeast of Redding.
“The Grange has a long standing tradition of providing leadership and assistance to rural communities,” stated California State Grange President Randall Lewis. “Our motto, ‘Helping Farmers - Protecting Consumers’ proclaims our ongoing commitment.”
According to Lewis, “The Grange was instrumental in the building of Shasta Dam and continues to support projects like the Ostrum Point Dam that will prevent droughts and flooding, generate electrical power, and provide for wildlife conservation. Everybody wins.”
The Ostrum Point Dam resolution was authored by the Lookout Grange and approved by the delegates at the annual California State Grange Convention last October. The adopted resolution set in motion the efforts of the State Grange Legislative and Public Relations Departments to find legislators to introduce the bill at the Capitol and promote the legislation.
State Grange Legislative Director Michael Greene concluded, “The Grange is a grass roots organization. Legislation like AB 2434 is a step forward for our organization and proves that by working closely with our 185 Granges in communities state-wide, we can take fast action and make a difference.”
At the request of the Grange, Assemblyman Doug La Malfa (2nd Assembly District) introduced AB 2434 on February 21.
“Having a steady supply of water is important to farmers and the agricultural community. It is my pleasure to support the Modoc and Lassen County Board of Supervisors and the State Grange in their efforts to have a feasibility study for a proposed Ostrum Point Dam,” State Senator Dave Cox remarked.
Modoc County Supervisor Dave Bradshaw gave credit to the Grange for “stepping up and initiating this project”.
For more than forty years the construction of a dam that would benefit the region has been discussed and several sites considered. Damage to crops and soils from floods in 1976, 1986, and 1990 could have been avoided by a dam, contends Norm Carpadus.
“By capturing flood waters, we can put them to better use,” states Lassen County Supervisor Brian Dahle. “This study will measure flows and tell us just how much water is available for our communities,” he continued. “We have to thank the Grange for taking a proactive approach in support of this legislation.”
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Norm Carpadus and President Randall Lewis of the California State Grange testify in support of AB 2434.