The Eklutna River, historically dry due to a dam built in 1929 and dismantled in 2017-2018, is the focus of restoration efforts by the Eklutna tribal government and the Municipality of Anchorage to revive salmon runs. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy’s 2024 decision plans to restore flows to nearly all of the river, except for a mile that remains dry. A proposed pumped-storage hydropower project aims to enable fish migration to Eklutna Lake but comes with an estimated cost of over $1 billion, raising concerns about affordability amid tight budgets.
Alternative studies are ongoing to explore cheaper options for restoring river flows. The river has been diverted mainly for hydropower and drinking water, leading to environmental degradation. The proposed hydropower system would stabilize lake levels and enhance renewable energy production. Two alternatives are being considered, although they are costly, potentially adding $6 to $8 to monthly utility bills. Tribal leaders advocate for this project as a means to improve local ecosystems and fish populations, stressing its significance for the community despite financial challenges. A public meeting is set to discuss the designs and gather community input, with further assessments continuing through 2027.
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