Some would say that the dams in the lower 48 are being torn down and no longer needed and not good for the environment and there is some truth in that, however, there are a large number of producing dams that will remain forever and are certainly needed like the Garrison Dam in North Dakota, the Hoover Dam, The Grand Coulee Dam and many others. Had the Susitna Dam been built years ago it wouldn't be contentious now. There is no doubt that there are people that have holdings that the dam would effect but the state is growing and projects need to be built before the savings disappear into the pockets of businesses in the lower 48.