Funding in Washington state s budget is pushing efforts forward to remove four lower Snake River dams in order to save salmon. Lawmakers committed more than $7 million to begin the transition planning process for the four dams in southeast Washington. The dams have been a site of contention because of their effects on the dwindling population of salmon. .
Four dams on the lower Snake River have been the sites of contention in the Northwest, and a recent report of an oil spill at one of the dams could be adding fuel to the fire. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported 300 to 600 gallons of oil leaked from the Little Goose Dam between August and October. .
An announcement from Washington state leaders on the future of the lower Snake River dams contained both good and bad news for groups defending native salmon. Washington Gov. Jay Inslee and U.S. .