About the Process
Grant PUD’s original license to own and operate the Priest Rapids Project expired October 31, 2005, and a new license is expected sometime in 2007.  The Federal Power Act gives the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the exclusive authority to license hydroelectric facilities like Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dams.  The Priest Rapids Project is one of the largest projects of its kind ever licensed by FERC. 

Grant PUD completed and submitted its Final License Application to FERC in 2003.  The new license application requests a second 50-year license term and includes nearly $800 million in specific proposed protection, mitigation and enhancement measures for fish, water quality, wildlife, recreation and protection of cultural resources, among others.

FERC’s environmental review of material filed by the utility and others is consistent with federal agency obligations under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and will serve as the basis for its decision on the relicensing of the Priest Rapids Project.  FERC presently anticipates making a final decision on the license by October 2006, but this is  subject to change.

Grant PUD Relicensing Timeline
Progress Made Towards Grant PUD's New License