I am happy to see this progress (“Turbines proposed at pass,” News-Times, May 21) in an era when energy and environmental concerns surround us daily. I submitted this alternative energy idea in a contest in November 2005. Although I did not get a response from the contest, I feel that it is viable.

As the population of the Pacific Coast increases, so does the demand for electricity. Presently, the Columbia River dams provide power for the Northwest, California and Canada. There is a solution to increase hydro-electric power without destroying aquatic habitats and spending large sums on more concrete dams.

Deception Pass is a narrow and deep passage, between Fidalgo and Whidbey islands, with more than nine times the water flow of the Columbia River. Therefore a current generator modeled after the hydro-plant of the Grand Coulee Dam could produce nine times the electricity.

Design a submarine current generator, using twenty 100,000 KW cycloidal turbine generators connected in a dry dock. These turbines will work in both flood and ebb tides. Secure a submergible platform between two islands via cables, allowing for safe servicing while on the surface. The operating position would be submerged for safe navigation. The power harnessed could potentially be as much as six nuclear plants times nine.

This hydroelectric design would preserve habitats; create electrical resources and lower costs for Americans and Canadians.

Joseph R. Morgan

Seattle