Tribes now providing police coverage at dam

The Colville Tribes, under a contract awarded March 10, began providing law enforcement coverage Tuesday on the east side of the Columbia River for Bureau of Reclamation lands and facilities.

The law enforcement coverage on this portion of the Grand Coulee Dam Project and lands was formerly provided by the town of Coulee Dam.

A Friday press release stated the award was for $697,000.

Grand Coulee police provide security coverage on the west side of the river, and recently were awarded a three-year contract for about $1.4 million.

The Grand Coulee department, through the contract, provides four police officers for the coverage.

The town of Coulee Dam lost out in its quest for a continued contract and is now down to three officers, including its chief.

Recently, the town council voted to fund a fourth officer, but the hiring process is held up because there isn’t a Civil Service Commission to do the screening. Mayor Greg Wilder recently started advertising for three local residents to man that commission.

The portion of the project awarded to the Tribes includes the Third Powerplant, the Downriver Trail, and the Coulee Dam tour building, seven days a week and 24 hours a day.

The contract also allows the Colville Tribes to assist the Reclamation Security Response Force in case of an emergency.

“Security and law enforcement services are vital to providing a safe and secure environment for employees, visitors and the facilities,” said Acting Power Manager Kerry McCalman.