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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 8, 2010
(number of pages 2)

Shoreline Management Plan Approved by Grant PUD Commissioners
Provides Land Use Policy for the Priest Rapids Project

EPHRATA, WA – The Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) for the Priest Rapids Project was approved by Grant PUD commissioners and submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) last week. The plan directs shoreline use and development of lands along the reservoirs above Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams.

“The 2008 license launched a new era for Grant PUD,” stated Commission President Bob Bernd. “The Shoreline Management Plan effectively communicates consistent shoreline policies by providing equitable land use guidelines that ensure public and project safety and security as we continue generating clean, renewable hydropower.”

Aligned with local and state laws and regulations, the plan protects the natural, cultural and historic resources of the project while ensuring compatibility among land uses of Grant PUD-owned shoreline property. It also integrates recreation and other management plans required by the federal license, which is effective to 2052.

With the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) and the amendment to the Recreation Resource Management Plan awaiting FERC approval, Grant PUD commissioners will next consider the future of Crescent Bar Island. Initial discussions are scheduled for early April when a technical compliance analysis and recommendation will be presented to the commission. Goals for Crescent Bar Island include retaining the ability to operate Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams while protecting natural and cultural resources, improving public access, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations and improving parking and traffic flow as well as recreation, water and wastewater treatment facilities.

As of March 4, 2010, both the SMP and the amendment to the Recreation Resource Management Plan were on the Grant PUD Web site: http://www.gcpud.org/resources/resLandWater/shoreline.html

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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.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dorothy Harris
(509) 793-1516 / dharris@gcpud.org