Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Shorelines and Land Use

Find the answers to frequently asked questions about shorelines and land use in the Priest Rapids Project.

Grant PUD and the Priest Rapids Project License

• What is the history of Grant PUD?
• How is Grant PUD connected with the Priest Rapids Project?
• What land use requirements are included in the new license?
  

Priest Rapids Project Lands & Shoreline Management

• What lands are included in the Priest Rapids Project?
• How is Grant PUD ’s management of lands affected by different land use classifications?
• Where are the Priest Rapids Project boundary lines?
• As a property owner of land adjacent to the Priest Rapids Project reservoir shoreline, do I have a right to prohibit public access of the shoreline between my land and the reservoir?
  

FERC License Requirements & the Shoreline Management Plan

• What FERC license requirements relate to use of Grant PUD shoreline property?
• What is the Shoreline Management Plan?
• Did the previous FERC license require a Shoreline Management Plan?
• What is the relationship of the FERC Shoreline Management Plan and the State Shoreline Management Plan administered by counties and cities? 
• Must shoreline use classifications in the SMP be consistent with adjacent zoning by other jurisdictions?
• How are conflicting interests in shoreline land use classifications mediated?
  

Stakeholders & the SMP Finalization Process

• Who are the Shoreline Management Plan stakeholders identified by FERC?
• How can I participate in the planning process?

Existing Uses, Authorizations & Encroachments

• Are uses or permits issued under the expired FERC license grandfathered?
• Can I obtain a permit or authorization to access or modify Grant PUD-owned property before the Shoreline Management Plan is approved by FERC?
• What is an encroachment?

Recreation FAQs & Contact Information

• How does the new license affect recreational opportunities in the Priest Rapids Project?
• Additional questions?

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Grant PUD and the Priest Rapids Project License

What is the history of Grant PUD?

Grant County residents have always looked to the future. They formed their own public utility district in 1938 with a goal to supply electricity throughout the county. As a Washington state municipal corporation, Grant PUD began electric service in 1942.  Owned and governed by the county residents it serves, Grant PUD works under a mission to generate and deliver power to its customers while striving for excellence in service and leadership. The Board of Commissioners comprised of five local citizens elected on a non-partisan basis sets Grant PUD policy. Three commissioners, serving six-year terms, represent specific areas of the county, while two at-large commissioners serve four-year terms.

Today through the Priest Rapids Project and other power resources, Grant County residents and millions of electric consumers throughout the Northwest light up their homes, businesses and streets with Grant PUD power. Grant PUD distributes the regional power at production cost, with no profit, through long-term contracts with 22 regional utilities in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. While powering a broad service area, area residents’ ability to maintain local control of significant power resources allows Grant County to grow and prosper. This low-cost power is a key factor in the county’s leading role in the agricultural sector of Washington state and as a driving force in the regional and state economy.
More information

How is Grant PUD connected with the Priest Rapids Project?

Grant PUD is fortunate to own two, large hydroelectric dams on the Columbia River, Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams.  These facilities, licensed together as the Priest Rapids Hydroelectric project, make up the largest non-federal hydroelectric project of its kind in the country with 1,755 megawatts of installed capacity.  This clean, renewable hydropower is distributed to power users in Grant County and millions of electric consumers across the Pacific Northwest.

On October 21, 1954, the Federal Power Commission (now the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) issued a permit to Grant PUD authorizing the construction of the Priest Rapids Project.  Priest Rapids began operation in 1959 and Wanapum Dam went on-line in 1963.

The original construction of the Project was financed through the issuance of revenue bonds, with the citizens of Grant County assuming all the construction risk.  Once the Project was operational, power sales contracts with regional utilities provided for repayment of the bonds.  Grant PUD was able to build the Priest Rapids Project without county, state or federal funding.

In 2008, Grant PUD received a new, 44-year license to operate both dams of the Priest Rapids Project from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. More information

What land use requirements are included in the new license?

When the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued Grant PUD a new license to operate the Priest Rapids Hydroelectric Project on April 17, 2008, a number of resource management directives were included. The new license identifies key stakeholders the utility is required to consult with on these directives. Grant PUD is currently working with the stakeholders and community groups to finalize the draft Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and to implement the FERC-approved Recreation Resource Management Plan (RRMP). Both plans guide access, use and management of Priest Rapids Project lands.

The finalized Shoreline Management Plan will ensure that Grant PUD maintains resource and regulatory compliance by balancing hydro operations with environmental and cultural resource needs. These FAQs provide fundamental information regarding Grant PUD Priest Rapids Project lands along the reservoirs.

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Priest Rapids Project Lands & Shoreline Management

What lands are included in the Priest Rapids Project?

Priest Rapids Project lands include 12,909 acres bordering 58 miles of the Columbia River. Grant PUD owns both fee ownership property and flowage easements in six counties throughout the Priest Rapids Project.

How is Grant PUD’s management of lands affected by different land use classifications?

Grant PUD has various levels of ownership and management rights on lands within the Priest Rapids Project.

• Grant PUD Fee Ownership Lands - Where Grant PUD owns the land (fee ownership), it has sole authority to control land uses in accordance with local, state and federal laws and policies, as directed by its FERC license.  Popular recreation area shorelines owned by Grant PUD include those at Crescent Bar, Crescent Bar Island, Sunland Estates, Vantage and Desert Aire.

 
Crescent Bar                                                           Desert Aire

• Federal Power Act Lands – These properties, owned by the federal government, are to be used only for what is necessary for operation of the Priest Rapids Project.
• Flowage and Transmission Easement Lands - Grant PUD is more limited in controlling uses and activities on lands within the Priest Rapids Project with easements. Such rights are detailed in each specific easement.

View Priest Rapids Project Map >>	View Grant County Map >>

The Mid-Columbia region and the Priest Rapids Project

Where are the Priest Rapids Project boundary lines?

Common boundaries shared by Grant PUD and neighboring properties owners are marked with orange carsonite stakes. Those boundaries have been marked to assist the public in identifying Priest Rapids Project boundary lines. Grant PUD will continue to work to ensure that the entire boundary is clearly identified.

From time to time, adjacent land owners encroach beyond the boundaries with improvements such as pathways, lawns, structures and other types of private use. Correcting these illegal encroachments after the fact is a frustrating and expensive process. Grant PUD needs your help to prevent unlawful encroachments on public land surrounding the beautiful shores of the Wanapum and Priest Rapids reservoirs. If you have any questions about boundary lines, contact the Lands and Recreation Department at Grant PUD. A lands specialist can assist you regarding encroachments or any matter affecting your property.

As a property owner of land adjacent to the Priest Rapids Project reservoir shoreline, do I have a right to prohibit public access of the shoreline between my land and the reservoir?

No. As a general policy, FERC-licensed hydropower projects are required to ensure that the interests of private property owners do not override the public’s ability to use and enjoyment of project lands and waters. However, the public does not have a right to cross through private properties to access Grant PUD land.

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FERC License Requirements & the Shoreline Management Plan

What FERC license requirements relate to use of Grant PUD shoreline property?

The FERC license issued April 17, 2008 has initiated a number of new requirements for Grant PUD including, but not limited to, the finalization and implementation of the following plans:

• Shoreline Management Plan
• Wildlife Habitat Monitoring and Information and Education
• Rare, Threatened and Endangered Plant Monitoring
• Bald Eagle Perch/Roosting Protection Program
• Wildlife Habitat Management Plan
• Historic Properties Management Plan
• Implementation of the FERC-approved Recreation Resource Management Plan

These management plans are required to ensure use of Priest Rapids Project lands and waters do not result in adverse impacts to environmental or cultural resources, or cause public safety or health issues.

In accordance with the finalization of these plans, Grant PUD will consult with federal and state agencies and tribes to develop methods to protect and enhance fish and wildlife habitat, cultural resources and provide public recreation opportunities within the Priest Rapids Project.

What is the Shoreline Management Plan?

The Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) for the Priest Rapids Project is a policy document that will ensure Grant PUD-owned lands are managed to meet FERC license requirements and project operations. The SMP will describe the types of uses that will be allowed on designated shoreline areas within the boundaries of the Priest Rapids Project.

Did the previous FERC license require a Shoreline Management Plan?

No, however Grant PUD Commissioners adopted the Priest Rapids/Wanapum Land Use Plan by resolution in 1992. Since then, Grant PUD has been managing project lands under the policies and procedures of the Land Use Plan.  This plan was never approved by FERC. The new Shoreline Management Plan will replace the 1992 Land Use Plan and is subject to consultation with stakeholders and FERC approval.

What is the relationship of the FERC Shoreline Management Plan and the State Shoreline Management Plan administered by counties and cities? 

The Shoreline Management Plan for the Priest Rapids Project, which requires FERC approval, will be consistent with the guidelines identified by Washington State Shoreline Master Program (RCW 90.58). However, the Grant PUD Shoreline Management Plan does not require approval from the Washington State Department of Ecology, which approves local shoreline master programs. 

Grant PUD’s FERC-approved Shoreline Management Plan will cover more than the 200-foot shoreline area mandated by the State Shoreline Management Act.

Washington State Shoreline Master Program

Must shoreline use classifications in the SMP be consistent with adjacent zoning by other jurisdictions?

No. Because shoreline use classifications are resource driven, it may be possible that the shoreline land use classifications will not always be consistent with adjacent zoning. Grant PUD will work with local jurisdictions in developing shoreline classifications that support license obligations and management objectives on Priest Rapids Project lands.

How are conflicting interests in shoreline land use classifications mediated?

Shoreline use classifications are developed after careful consideration of Priest Rapids Project requirements, natural resources, development trends and non-project demands. Shoreline land classifications will be developed in a collaborative process between FERC-identified stakeholders and the public. In many cases there will be disagreement on proposed classifications. It is ultimately up to Grant PUD and possibly the FERC Commission to assign shoreline land use classifications that balance license-related uses and obligations.

All interested parties are encouraged to review the draft Shoreline Management Plan and submit input on finalization.

Review draft Shoreline Management Plan and submit input

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Stakeholders & the SMP Finalization Process 

Who are the Shoreline Management Plan stakeholders identified by FERC?

Grant PUD is required to consult with the Wanapum Band of Indians, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office to finalize the Shoreline Management Plan. Grant PUD will also provide ample opportunities for public input.

How can I participate in the planning process?

A critical component of successfully completing the SMP is offering members of the public information about our requirements and management objectives, as well as providing opportunities to comment. Grant PUD has developed and will implement a FERC Consultation and Public Outreach Plan for both the Shoreline Management Plan and Recreation Resource Management Plan.

This communication plan linked below aims to meet the following objectives:

1. Keep the public and stakeholders adequately informed
2. Provide opportunities for informed input
3. Work to improve working relationships among parties involved in the process
4. Respond to concerns in a timely manner

Review FERC Consultation and Public Outreach Plan

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Existing Uses, Authorizations & Encroachments

Are uses or permits issued under the expired FERC license grandfathered?

No. Individual permits issued under the original 50-year license issued in 1955 will now be inventoried, reviewed and assessed under the terms and conditions of each permit and the new FERC license to determine if they meet new property management objectives and requirements.
 
Can I obtain a permit or authorization to access or modify Grant PUD-owned property before the Shoreline Management Plan is approved by FERC?

Grant PUD will issue temporary permits and use authorizations under the guidelines of the 1992 Land Use Plan until the Shoreline Management Plan is approved by FERC. Grant PUD retains the ability to deny proposed uses that may result in conflicts with new license requirements or management objectives.

What is an encroachment?

Encroachment occurs when public lands are claimed by individuals for private exclusive use. Unfortunately, unauthorized use of public property is a common problem wherever they adjoin developed private lands. Grant PUD usually detects encroachments on Priest Rapids Project lands when conducting scheduled management activities, or when neighbors report them.

Common encroachments or unauthorized uses include:

• Storage of personal property (wood piles, cars, boats, trailers, equipment, swing sets, etc.)
• Unauthorized roads, trails and parking areas
• Structures (driveways, fences, sheds, dog runs, docks, piers, floats, etc.)
• Landscaping including bulkheads, retaining walls, fencing, non-native plants, lawns, etc.
• Disturbing land by cutting or removing trees and other vegetation, rocks, soil or other natural features (without written permission to do so)
• Construction of trails and roads
• Posting private property and no trespassing signs
• Placing utility services outside of dedicated easements
• Seasonal encroachments (dumping of yard waste and other refuse)

Modification of Grant PUD property without such expressed written permission is prohibited. Grant PUD considers the placing of such items on Grant PUD property without permission an encroachment and/or trespass on its property and will take action to correct it, including recovery of damages, costs and attorney’s fees. Such situations can be avoided with effective communication between adjacent landowners and Grant PUD representatives.

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Recreation Resources FAQs & Contact Information

How does the new license affect recreational opportunities in the Priest Rapids Project?
Frequently asked questions regarding recreation are also available online.

Recreation Resources FAQs

Additional questions?

Please check Grant PUD’s Web site often. License-related information will be updated as Grant PUD progresses though finalization and implementation of the various plans, including management of the lands and shorelines of the Priest Rapids Project.

Questions regarding the shoreline management policies or any Grant PUD matter affecting property adjacent to or within the project boundaries can be forwarded to the Lands and Recreation Department by phone (509) 793-1522 or email: lands@gcpud.org.

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