Mail Tribune News - Details of the GPID proposal

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  Details of the GPID proposal The fate of a controversial proposal to remove Savage Rapids Dam is in the hands of the 6,720 patrons of the Grants Pass Irrigation District.   Counting of the mail-in ballots will begin at 8 p.m. Tuesday at the district office in Grants Pass. Final results aren't expected to be available until early Wednesday.   The patrons are being asked, "Shall Savage Rapids Dam be removed in return for a financial compensation plan that would need U.S. Congressional approval?"   The plan has an estimated $27 million price tag. It was crafted last year by the district board led by then-Chairman Dennis Becklin.   The major points included on the ballot:   The federal government would be responsible for the full cost of dam removal, installation of pumps and installation of electric power lines and equipment to operate the pumps.   The federal government would provide GPID with a long-term guarantee for the effective operation and repair or replacement of the pump system.   The federal government would provide GPID with a continuing, full subsidy for the cost of electricity to operate the pumps.   The federal government would provide GPID and the local community with up to $10 million to compensate for economic impacts caused by dam removal, replace recreational opportunities lost to the community, restore riparian areas along the reservoir pool and enhance habitat for salmon and steelhead.   The federal government would protect GPID's pumps, the river and other uses and river users from sediment released by dam removal.   GPID would have its full water rights guaranteed. Mail Tribune Copyright �  The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA