Washington, DC - The United States and Canada held the second round of negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty regime August 15-16, in Nelson, British Columbia. During the talks, the U.S. and Canadian negotiators continued to discuss shared objectives and reiterated the need for both sides to consider carefully the views of the people who live and work in the Columbia River Basin. U.S. objectives in this negotiation include careful management of flood risk, ensuring a reliable and economical power supply, and improving ecosystem benefits.

Jill Smail is the U.S. Chief Negotiator for the Columbia River Treaty. The U.S. negotiating team comprises representatives from the Bonneville Power Administration and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Northwestern Division (which together form the “U.S. Entity” responsible for arrangements necessary for U.S. implementation of the treaty); the Department of the Interior; and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The next round of negotiations will take place October 17-18, 2018, in Portland, Oregon.

On September 6, 2018, U.S. Columbia River Treaty Negotiator Jill Smail will lead a Town Hall in Portland, Oregon on the modernization of the Columbia River Treaty regime.