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SJM 105

ALBENI FALLS DAM – States findings of the Legislature and requests federal intervention regarding the repair, operation, and ownership of Albeni Falls Dam.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

Idaho urges federal action to repair Albeni Falls Dam, reevaluate USACE operations, and consider state ownership to protect Kokanee spawning, recreation, and local jobs/economy.

Reported delivered to the Secretary of State on 04/04/25
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Bill Summary · SJM 105

Summary of SJM 105 (Idaho)

Overview

Senate Joint Memorial 105 is a joint memorial from Idaho’s 68th Legislature, First Regular Session (2025), directed to the President, the U.S. Congress, and Idaho’s congressional delegation. Its purpose is to express Idaho’s findings about the Albeni Falls Dam and request federal intervention to repair, operate, and consider ownership of the dam. It emphasizes re-evaluating the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) operations plan, with attention to economic, long-term operational, and ownership considerations for Lake Pend Oreille.

Purpose and Intent

  • Acknowledge past federal promises regarding dam operation (including a full May–October lake level) and note ongoing maintenance and operational concerns.
  • Urge immediate repairs to the dam that do not diminish recreational or economic benefits.
  • Call for a reevaluation of USACE operations to ensure substantial compliance with relevant guidance (notably Senate Document No. 9) and to consider Idaho’s expectations and promises.
  • Explore the water management needs for Kokanee spawning and recreational access.

Key Provisions and Requests

  • Immediate and complete repair of the Albeni Falls Dam, without harming recreational use or economic benefits of Lake Pend Oreille.
  • Evaluate USACE dam operations to determine adherence to Senate Document No. 9; assess whether promises to Idaho have been kept.
  • Determine the elevation necessary for Kokanee spawning and whether current practices (including the practice of lowering to 2,051 feet by November) are necessary or if higher levels could improve emergency and recreational access at more boat ramps.
  • Consider whether ownership and operation of the Albeni Falls Dam should reside with the State of Idaho.
  • Invite changes to Columbia River Treaty negotiations to codify the dam’s operations to achieve these goals.

Who/What is Affected

  • Federal agencies: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and related federal operations.
  • State and local interests: Idaho residents around Lake Pend Oreille, recreational users, the local economy, and Kokanee habitat.
  • Potential stakeholders in a shift of ownership/operation to Idaho if contemplated by the memorial.

Fiscal and Procedural Details

  • Fiscal note: The legislation is stated to have no additional state or local fiscal impact; no change in revenue.
  • Status and timeline: Introduced 03/26/2025; committee action and floor actions occurred in early April 2025; reported enrolled and delivered to the Secretary of State on 04/04/25. As a memorial, it expresses intent and requests rather than imposing new law.

Bottom Line

SJM 105 seeks federal action to repair and re-evaluate Albeni Falls Dam operations, and it contemplates state ownership and treaty considerations to ensure dam reliability, ecological needs (notably Kokanee spawning), and sustained recreational and economic benefits.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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