GCPUD Press Release

Grant PUD Researching Hydro Plant Near Cle Elum

October 25, 2006

EPHRATA -- A hydropower plant near Cle Elum, WA may be in the future power generation mix for Grant County PUD. The utility filed an application on Tuesday, October 24 for a preliminary permit from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to research the feasibility of the Cle Elum Hydroelectric Project.

A FERC permit issued for the site will allow 36 months to consider whether development of the project is environmentally and economically feasible. Grant PUD’s subsequent determination whether to prepare and file a license application to develop the site will be based on the results of that evaluation.

The power plant would be constructed at an earthfill dam built and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in Kittitas County. The dam is on the Cle Elum River in the Yakima Valley in Central Washington state about 10 miles northwest of the town of Cle Elum.

With an estimated power capacity of 30.2 megawatts, a power plant at this site could operate year around. The USBR dam stores water in an eight-mile long by one-mile wide lake for irrigation in the Kittitas and Yakima Valleys. The dam also provides flood control, recreation and habitat for fish and wildlife.

“We have looked at this project for some time,” said Tim Culbertson, Grant PUD General Manager. “By filing for a preliminary permit we will maintain priority of application for a license while we conduct investigations and consult with appropriate agencies to determine the feasibility of a project at this site.”

In addition to constructing and operating two large hydroelectric power plants on the Columbia River, Grant PUD built and generates electricity from two hydropower plants on irrigation canals in Grant County.

“This is just the type of renewable hydropower generation project that Grant PUD and other utilities are developing for future clean power generation,” said Culbertson.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Gary Garnant
(509) 754-5027 / ggarnan@gcpud.org

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Grant County Public Utility District is a Washington state municipal corporation that began electric service in 1942. Owned by the people it serves, Grant PUD generates and sells electricity to Grant County residents and millions of customers throughout Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest. The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dams, produces nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable electricity – enough to supply a city the size of Seattle. A leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to finding effective measures for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of salmon, steelhead and other natural and cultural resources.