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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2010

Decision on Crescent Bar Island Slated for April 26
Grant PUD Commissioners Unified in Favor of Full Public Use in 2012

EPHRATA, WA – On April 26, Grant PUD commissioners will vote on a motion allowing the lease with the Port of Quincy for Crescent Bar Island to expire on June 1, 2012.

At their meeting today, the board received verbal comments from the public, reviewed written public comments and considered a motion for no new lease. After receiving a staff report summarizing the written comments and clarifying several misperceptions, the board of five commissioners spoke in favor of transitioning to full public use in 2012.

“While we understand this decision is difficult for some, we cannot jeopardize our federal license or ask Grant County customer-owners to fund improvements or mitigation for continued private use of Crescent Bar Island,” stated Vice-President Randy Allred. “Returning the island to full public use is the best option.”

Commissioner Allred chaired the meeting as President Bob Bernd was out of the area, but Commissioner Bernd attended by telephone.

The Grant PUD-owned island is currently leased to the Port of Quincy that, in turn, holds subleases allowing occupancy of approximately 400 recreational vehicle sites and condominium units. Grant PUD’s lease with the Port of Quincy lease expires June 1, 2012

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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