News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2010

Crescent Bar Island public recreation planning moves forward
Guest editorial from Grant PUD Commissioners

Your public utility is moving forward with plans for full public access to Crescent Bar Island. As your elected representatives, we remain committed to the unanimous decision we made in April that will allow the lease with the Port of Quincy to expire.

The commission considered many issues prior to approving full public use of Crescent Bar Island after 2012. While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) did not dictate our path forward, our decision is consistent with FERC policy that does not condone private use of federal project lands. Our decision supports the license requirement for extensive increases in public recreation opportunities in the Priest Rapids Project. It also prevents the need to mitigate for the loss of public use of the island, which would be very costly and required by FERC if long-term residential use continued.

Our decision was not taken lightly, nor was it made in haste. Grant PUD commissioners and employees spent more than a year soliciting broad public comment in preparation for a final decision. This decision has been reinforced by an overwhelming positive response from our customer-owners.

Crescent Bar Island will continue to be a destination for those who love water sports and sunshine. It is our hope that everyone – current and future generations, local residents and those from outside the area – will create memories and rich traditions by visiting Crescent Bar Island in scenic Grant County.

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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