EBS STAFF
NorthWestern Energy announced in an Aug. 26 press release that it will host public comment sessions to review recreational facilities on the Missouri and Madison rivers. NWE owns and operates two dams on the Madison River—Hebgen and Madison dams. On the Missouri River, NWE owns and operates seven—Hauser, Holter, Black Eagle, Rainbow, Cochrane, Ryan and Morony dams. By federal licensing requirements, the utility company must enhance public recreation at recreation sites along those rivers.
In partnership with the public-private Missouri-Madison River Fund, NWE has prived $6.4 million in grant funds to improve recreational facilities, according to the release.
The energy company will hold four public comment sessions:
- Sept. 23, 6-8 p.m. Hebgen Ranger District Office conference room, 330 Gallatin Road, West Yellowstone
- Sept. 24, 6-8 p.m. Madison Valley Public Library conference room, 210 Main St., Ennis
- Oct. 15, 6-8 p.m. Montana WILD Education Center auditorium, 2668 Broadwater Ave., Helena
- Oct. 17, 6-8 p.m. Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center theater, 4201 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls
At each meeting, organizers will present a summary of the Missouri-Madison Comprehensive Recreation Plan and its projects, provide background on use history, access, improvements and opportunities.
“Our Montana hydro facilities are an incredible carbon-free generation resource for our Montana customers,” Andy Welch, the NWE manager of hydro license compliance, stated in the release. “The Missouri River and Madison River corridors where our hydro facilities are located are also an incredible recreational resource for Montanans and visitors. We work closely with public agency partners to provide the best possible opportunities for public recreation, but are holding these meetings to offer the general public a chance to voice their suggestions about what will continue to make the recreational experiences in this area positive.”
