Scott Corbitt and Mary Iacobelli

General Manager and Communications Coordinator

Port of Lewiston

August 22, 2024

Scott Corbit is the general manager of the port of Lewiston. Scott describes his beloved town of Lewiston, the second largest city in northern Idaho, as “ground zero” in the issue of removing the four Lower Snake River dams. Charged with a passion for the families and economy of Lewiston, Scott discusses the variant of factors that make Lewiston and so many people dependent on the operation of the dams. Lewiston relies on the reservoir made by the dams to recharge the aquifer that is the city's water source. The Port is only operational with the navigation capabilities of the dam. Corbitt explains how he believes that fish and dams can coexist and that existence would be most beneficial for everyone. 

Mary Iacobelli works alongside Scott as the communications coordinator. Mary is a journalist and takes the role of writing humanitarian stories surrounding the port. Mary shared stories of the local family farms that rely on the port as a transportation source for their wheat. 

Scott leaves us with some impactful words. He encourages the Lewiston community to step up against the dam removal because “it's different this time,” explaining that there have been efforts since the dams have been built to remove them but these efforts have always stopped dead in the water. This time he feels like there is more of a chance.
By: Annika Schwartz