Sali Asks Fed to Explain Decision for Closing Road to Lake Lowell

Press Release

Congressman Bill Sali today asked the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to explain its decision to close a road near Lake Lowell in Canyon County and to provide documentation that backs up the claims that the lake is vulnerable to terrorist attack. In a letter to Bureau of Reclamation Regional Director J. William McDonald, Sali said his visit to Lake Lowell last Friday did not convince him that a real threat exists to Riverside Road and the lake. However, Sali said he would continue to gather information.

"I wanted to let you know that I left Lake Lowell with more questions than when I arrived and upon considering the circumstances further, I remain skeptical of any realistic likelihood that the lake and its dams would be a target for a terrorist attack," Sali told McDonald in the letter. "Thus I cannot understand why your agency would want to close Riverside Road on that basis."

Sali, a member of the House Anti-Terrorism Caucus, also noted in his letter that he met with nearby residents and businesses concerned about the road closure.

"They have a legitimate concern that closing the road would have very significant impacts on the community and their investments with no offsetting increase in safety to the community. I find it hard to disagree. Just the speculation that the road will be closed is impacting the resale value of properties near the lake. Closing the road would pose a hardship for everyone who travels around the lake and could ultimately result in financial ruin for some," said Sali.

Sali asked the agency to provide documentation that backs up the claim that Lake Lowell is or has been targeted by terrorists. He specifically asks for a copy of the study that led to the decision to close the road as well as other documentation. He also asked for a meeting with McDonald and Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Bob Johnson.

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