Grant PUD shoreline plan meeting draws Crescent Bar residents

EPHRATA — Despite the Ephrata location, the second in a series of shoreline management plan meetings still attracted some Crescent Bar residents seeking details about an expiring lease.

About 20 people attended the Grant County PUD meeting, which included eight people from Quincy, three from Ephrata and the remaining from Soap Lake, Kent, Wash., Des Moines, Wash., and Montlake Terrace, Wash., according to the sign-in sheet.

Throughout the summer, the utility is presenting information about its draft shoreline management plan, which will guide land use within the PUD’s Priest Rapids (hydroelectric) Project.

The plan is a requirement of the PUD’s new federal license to own and operate its Columbia River dams.

The state Department of Ecology is trying to have the PUD raise water levels behind the dam to increase the state water supply as part of the federal licensing efforts through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). If successful, the water increase would flood a portion of Crescent Bar Island containing mobile homes.

Crescent Bar Island is within Priest Rapids Project boundaries.

A lease between the PUD and the Port of Quincy allowing people to live on the island expires in 2012.

It’s not known if the lease will be renewed. ?

After the meeting, Crescent Bar homeowner Ellen Steere said she is concerned about the possibility of losing her home.

She added there has to be a balance between residents leaving and improving public access.

Her husband, Monte Steere, said they’re formulating their vision of Crescent Bar.

Monte Steere pointed out residents pay lease fees, taxes on improvements to leased property and buy power from Grant PUD.

“The only thing we don’t do is live here full-time,” Monte Steere said.

Quincy Senior Center President Orlan Wood, of Crescent Bar, said his main reason for attending the meeting was to tell a PUD commissioner there needs to be a win-win solution.

Public land needs to be made available, as public access was never done correctly, Wood claimed.

The land is available without moving trailers out, Wood said.

A nice picnic area would serve the public better, he added.

Chris Jacobson, of Ephrata, said he’s interested in “drastic, overall” change on the island.

Jacobson, Ephrata’s mayor, said he was attending the meeting as a resident and not on the city’s behalf.

As a resident, he said he never felt welcome on the island.

He also said he didn’t think enough rent was paid for 35 years.

 Grant PUD lands specialist Sheryl Dotson said a couple asked her what happens in 2012 if the Crescent Bar lease isn’t renewed.

Dotson said they’ve provided education to the commission about the issue. She added they’re hoping for an answer at year-end, one way or another.

Also at the meeting, Ephrata Parks and Recreation Director Ray Towry said the city is interested in the plan for economic development, tourism and quality of life reasons.

Grant PUD Commission President Terry Brewer said his position is to wait until the process is over and see what written information people provide to the commission.

He spoke of the 43-year Crescent Bar lease with fixed terms being an area of concern.

It’s unbelievable to most people that residents paid $33 per lot and the PUD only receives $100 per year, Brewer said.

The price will change, if nothing else, he said.

“My interest is looking ahead to the future and meeting the terms of the FERC license agreement,” Brewer commented in part.

He also spoke of public access and amenities.

“I think there will be changes,” he says.

But the changes depend on what staff recommends and what the public wants, he said.

The next shoreline management plan workshop is set for 7 p.m., June 25, at Mattawa Elementary School, 400 N. Boundary Road.