Tracy Loew

Statesman Journal

Hood River County voters have blocked a multinational corporation’s plans to bottle water there, passing the nation’s first-ever initiative to prevent water bottling plants.

Early returns on Tuesday showed Measure 14-55 winning with 69 percent of the vote.

For seven years, Swiss company Nestlé SA has been trying to tap a state-owned spring near Cascade Locks in the Columbia Gorge. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife uses the water for a nearby salmon hatchery.

Cascade Locks is aiming to trade its well water gallon-for-gallon with the state’s spring water, then sell the spring water to Nestlé.

Supporters say the company will provide much-needed economic development in the small, economically depressed town. Nestlé has promised 50 jobs at a plant it would build in the city.

On April 12, the Cascade Locks City Council passed a resolution supporting the project.

Opponents, including at least nine Oregon legislators, say the state should not give the public’s water to a multinational corporation for free. They also cite the state’s ongoing drought and increased traffic that would come with the plant.

The ballot measure, if approved, will prohibit bottled water production and transport in the county. It applies to plants that bottle 1,000 gallons or more per day.

Opponents hoped to set a precedent for other communities battling bottled water extraction, including communities in California, Maine and Montana.

“This is absolutely the first time a county has passed this kind of ballot measure prohibiting commercial water bottles,” said Julia DeGraw, Northwest organizer for Food & Water Watch. “It really defines what’s possible for communities who are serious about protecting their water.”

“The campaign was the most expensive in Hood River history,” DeGraw said. “The opposition spent $105,000 that didn’t really come out 'til the end in terms of campaign reporting. But all those glossy mailers and phone calls didn’t really affect the voters. They realize that water is too important.”

Nestle officials declined an interview request. In a written statement, the company said, "While we firmly believe this decision on a county primary ballot is not in the best interest of Cascade Locks, we respect the democratic process."

Rebecca Tweed, campaign director for the opposition PAC Coalition for a Strong Gorge Economy, could not be reached for comment.

tloew@statesmanjournal.com, 503-399-6779 or follow at Twitter.com/Tracy_Loew

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