PUD to pay for WPUDA building project

EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District commission majority OK'd funding for the Washington Public Utility District Association's $4.2 million building project in Olympia.

The association, which represents 28 member PUDs and Energy Northwest in legislative and policy processes at the state and federal level, is building a 12,000 square-foot office to be complete Sept. 1.

The two-story building, located a few city blocks from the Capital Campus, serves as the headquarters for the association. They now rent office space in Seattle and Olympia.

The association is to occupy the second-floor suite, while renters use the first floor.

Commissioners Bob Bernd, Terry Brewer and Tom Flint voted Monday during their regular meeting to approve payment of $240,130, as invoiced for 2006 and 2007. Their vote also provides for a payment of $120,065, for 2008.

They committed an additional $31,500, to make the building more energy efficient.

The building is going to be the first in the state to receive the U.S. Green Building Council's highest rating, platinum certification.

REC Silicon, in Moses Lake, donated enough solar panels to the building project to produce 40 percent of the building's electrical needs.

Payment by Grant PUD doesn't result in the utility and its ratepayers acquiring ownership interest in the new building, leaving the commission divided on the issue.

Commissioner Greg Hansen voted against the funding, while commission President Randy Allred did not vote.

Before voting, Bernd said Grant PUD shouldn't be the only PUD not providing funding.

"To me (the money) is a gift," Hansen said.

If the association sells the building, Grant PUD gets nothing.

The PUD did attempt to get a contract with the association, specifying the utility would have rights to the building, proportionate to any payment made. But the association refused contracts.

Hansen called the association's unwillingness to sign contracts arrogant. He wants security on the PUD's investment.

"It doesn't seem like they even want to talk about (a contract)," he said.

Both Hansen and Allred say the association doesn't focus enough on hydropower-related issues.

Grant PUD pays the association $11,561 per month, in dues, according to PUD spokeswoman Dorothy Harris.