A Town Hall convened Thursday aimed at protecting a vital water resource that has, and could again, prove critical to fighting wildfires, but also to sustain the economy and enhance recreational opportunities for an isolated, yet popular destination point for longtime residents. The Lake County Chamber of Commerce hosted the event at the Soper Reese Theater, Thursday. Master of Ceremonies was Amanda Martin, Chief Economic Officer of the Chamber. Martin said the presentation was to promote awareness and to educate the community on the critical issue of a potential removal of Scotts Dam from the Potter Valley Project. … Should the dam be torn down, Lake County Treasurer estimated there could be a loss of $850,000 in tax revenue. Additionally, property values of $40 million could depreciate. … Meanwhile the decommissioning of Scotts Dam is estimated at $500 million and probably more, by the time the work is completed, based on a study by The Eel River Power Authority.

Other Potter Valley Project news:

• Times Standard (Eureka, Calif.): Opposition to Potter Valley decommission, dam removal voiced​
• Ukiah Daily Journal (Calif.): Opinion: Life after the Potter Valley Project: ‘The water will not be cheap’