The United States Columbia River Treaty review is being undertaken by the Bonneville Power Administration and the Army Corps of Engineers as the U.S. Entity. The multi-year review process is centered on the Sovereign Review Team (SRT), a group of four Northwest states, five tribal government representatives and eleven Northwest federal agencies - with whom the U.S. Entity is working to develop a regionally-vetted recommendation on the future of the Treaty. Supporting the SRT is the Sovereign Technical Team, responsible for guiding the technical work.

The review process is considering the continuing need for flood control and hydropower, while also considering other issues not addressed in the original Treaty. The U.S. Entity, often in collaboration with the SRT, is conducting stakeholder outreach sessions to solicit input from other interests including regional power, flood control, water management, irrigation, navigation, ecosystem and environmental needs, such as fish and wildlife. Stakeholder Listening Sessions were held in Portland, Spokane, Boise and Kalispel in June and July 2012. For information on the sessions visit: http://www.crt2014-2024review.gov/CurrentMeetingMaterials.aspx

The SRT have completed the first of three iterations of computer simulations evaluating alternative ways the Columbia River hydro system could be operated after 2024. Iteration 1 included evaluation of flood control and hydropower production under future operating scenarios. Iteration 2 will build on the work of Iteration 1 and incorporate a broader range of considerations including irrigation, water supply and quality, navigation, recreation, cultural resources, fish protection operations, ecosystem function needs and climate change. For information on the technical studies visit: http://www.crt2014-2024review.gov/TechStudies.aspx