News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2010

Grant PUD Commission Approves No-Lease Motion
Crescent Bar Island will Transition to Full Public Use in 2012

EPHRATA, WA – Before a full audience, Grant PUD Commissioners unanimously approved a motion to allow a 50-year lease with the Port of Quincy to expire on June 1, 2012. With today’s decision, all subleases expire in 2012, including all private residential and commercial ground leases.

Commissioners agreed to transition the utility-owned island to full public access in 2012, and enhance the property for public recreation and wildlife habitat, which is consistent with Grant PUD’s obligation to Grant County residents and the Priest Rapids Project license for Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams.

“While we considered alternative transition plans beyond 2012 for the private residential uses, we must do what is right for the people of Grant County and their PUD by not delaying the inevitable at the expense of all parties involved,” stated Commission President Bob Bernd. “We have compassion for those who have invested and created memories on Crescent Bar Island, but we are unwilling to ask our customer-owners and the general public to accommodate continued exclusive, private use of prime public recreational property.”

Grant PUD lands and recreation staff will file an initial plan and schedule with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by April 30. The plan will outline a schedule to determine public recreation improvements, wildlife habitat enhancements, and how the scenic quality of Crescent Bar Island will be enhanced.

Grant PUD will consult with FERC-identified stakeholders before submitting the final plan to FERC by October 2010. Grant PUD intends to work with the Port of Quincy to ensure a smooth and clearly communicated transition over the next two years.

When complete, both the initial plan and schedule due April 30 and the final plan will be available on the Grant PUD Web site: http://www.gcpud.org/naturalResources/shorelineManagement/crescentBar.html

Additional information regarding the transition to full public use will be posted as it becomes available.

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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:
Sarah Morford
(509) 754-6633 / smorfor@gcpud.org