Crescent Bar study released
EPHRATA — A report outlining public opinion on Crescent Bar Island’s future was released by the Grant County PUD.
The PUD is considering the future of the island because a 50-year lease, allowing residents to live on the island, expires in 2012.
“Using this input, in conjunction with the goals, policy and objectives of the final Priest Rapids Project Shoreline Management Plan, and Commission guidance, a strategy for dealing with the issues related to Crescent Bar Island will be developed,” the report states.
The report, which PUD commissioners planned to hear about at a work session, summarizes and analyzes 325 pieces of public comment.
Comments were grouped into three categories, referred to as “Balance,” “Status Quo” and “Public.”
“A total of 156 comments fit in the ‘Balance’ category and support the idea of letting current private use of Crescent Bar Island continue in some fashion, while improving both the quality and quantity of public access and recreation facilities on Crescent Bar Island,” the report states.
Most people calling for balance also provided recommendations for accomplishing the balance, according to the report.
“Of the 83 comments in the ‘Status Quo’ group, most people discussed the benefits (financial and social) that those on island bring to Grant County and the region through taxes, local business patronage, contributions to local charities, jobs and tourism,” the report explained.
Many of the comments mentioned the need for infrastructure improvements and a willingness to fund improvements. They also stated they would pay fair market rent.
“In the ‘Public’ category, 55 people believe that the island should only be used for public purposes,” the report stated.
“Similar to those in the Balance group, most of these comments also included specific recommendations for public recreation facilities, including trails, bath/shower rooms, play fields, campgrounds, swimming and beach areas, all with adequate (signs) and free parking.”
Of the comments collected, 305 included opinions on Crescent Bar Island, while some comments focused only on the over arching shoreline management plan, according to the PUD.
About half the Crescent Bar-related comments expressed an ownership interest in the island, directly or through a family member.
The report summarizes individual recommendations for improving Crescent Bar Island, which range from building a hydro park to adding boat launches and trails.