The original 50-year license for facilities at the Oroville Dam [anchor dam of the State Water Project] expired in 2007, leaving operations running on a year-to-year basis. … Oroville Mayor David Pittman explained that the facilities bring in about $200,000 annually to the local community. However, a pending 50-year deal could bring a billion dollars in recreational investments and additional annual benefits. The delay in re-signing the license lies with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission or FERC, according to Pittman. … Despite the hold-up, Congressman Doug LaMalfa defended FERC’s actions, explaining that they must seek sign-off from environmental committees. 

Other dam news:

• California Department of Water Resources: News release: Lake Oroville update
• UC San Diego: News release: New forecast-informed decision-making tool implemented at Northern California reservoir
• Financial Times: Video: The great dam removal