In a historic event today at Wanapum Dam, elected officials, heads of governmental agencies, tribes, and the community celebrated Grant County PUD’s receipt of a new, 44-year federal license to operate Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams. The celebration ushers in a new era of clean, renewable, low-cost hydropower for the people of Grant County and the region.
A new license from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission assures that the people of Grant County – and the millions of customers served by the power produced at the Priest Rapids Project – can continue enjoying the benefits of hydro electricity produced by a publicly-owned utility. Grant PUD produces nearly 25 percent of the non-federal hydropower in Washington state.
“As the owner of the second largest non-federal hydropower project in the nation, we greatly value the role we play in preserving and enhancing the region’s economy, cultural and natural resources and clean energy future,” said Grant PUD commission president, Tom Flint. “Today’s celebration acknowledges that we can successfully maximize energy production while doing more to enhance fish and other resources.”
To obtain the new license, Grant PUD worked with a wide range of stakeholders to increase the amount of power generated by the dams while intensifying efforts to protect fish, natural and cultural resources and recreational opportunities along the river. Projects like replacement of turbines with advanced technology models, construction of a downstream bypass that offers fish alternate passage through the dam and operation of a new fishway collection system that allows for detailed fish research are projects already completed in support of the new Priest Rapids Project license. Additional efforts planned over the course of the license will further improve dam operations and work to protect resources while optimizing power output from the project. Utility customers outside of Grant County also benefit from Grant PUD dams, since 30 percent of the power is sold to 23 other Northwest utilities.
The license also acknowledges the unique relationship Grant PUD has with the Wanapum Band of Indians, whose name means “River People.” The utility is proud that the Wanapum continue to reside in the Wanapum Village next to Priest Rapids Dam. Wanapum Dam was named in their honor and the Wanapum Heritage Center protects and preserves artifacts important to their heritage.
“A new license means continued operations and maintenance while staying committed to meet the needs for all resources and people which will include the Wanapum, this I believe,” said Wanapum Tribal Leader, Rex Buck.
“For over 50 years, Grant PUD has kept its promise of providing and protecting vital resources for its customers and our nation,” said U.S. Representative Doc Hastings, R-Pasco. “Today, the importance of these dams and the clean power they produce continues to grow. I salute the leadership of Grant PUD and the many thousands of people that have worked to operate and maintain these projects, and advance hydropower at a time when our nation’s energy security and protecting our natural resources are top concerns.”
“I want to congratulate Grant PUD on receiving their new license as they continue to play a positive and collaborative role with tribes, fish agencies and other stakeholders in the recovery and enhancement of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia Basin,” said Bob Lohn, Northwest Regional Administrator, NOAA Fisheries. “Grant PUD’s leadership is to be commended.”
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