Starbuck, Wash. – Locking a vessel past Little Goose Lock and Dam may take a bit longer than usual from Jan. 29, 2018 to Feb. 28, 2018. According to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials at the dam, ongoing work is being performed in the vicinity of the lock approach when approaching the upstream side of the lock.
The staging area for the trash shear boom installation contract is adjacent to the lock approach, and the contractor is moving materials from the staging area onto a barge to place in the powerhouse forebay. This is being done between lockages.
Navigators are encouraged to call ahead so that the contractor can ensure the area is cleared prior to their arrival. Recreational vessel owners can find information on nearby Corps-managed boat launches in the Walla Walla District at www.nww.usace.army.mil/corpsoutdoors.
To maintain reliable passage through this valuable navigation system, the Corps districts coordinate maintenance activities with inland shippers and cruise lines to achieve minimal impact to the various industries that use the locks. Public Notices and other navigation lock information are available on the Walla Walla District website at www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation.aspx, and on Portland District’s website at www.nwp.usace.army.mil/Missions/Navigation.aspx.
The Corps’ Portland and Walla Walla districts maintain the commercial navigation route from the Pacific Ocean 465 miles inland to Lewiston, Idaho. The Columbia-Snake Inland Navigation System provides important benefits to businesses and the public. Barging on the inland Columbia-Snake river system supports the economic vitality of the Northwest and neighboring states that use the navigation channel. The navigation system helps generate jobs, facilitates imports and exports, and contributes to a stronger economy, environment and quality of life for the region.
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Release no. 18-004