Crescent Bar Island

Referring to King County resident Sandi Webby’s comment, “Tell her to take a good look at what those folks (Crescent Bar leaseholders) are offering us and ask her how much she wants to chip in.”

Referring to King County resident Sandi Webby’s comment, “Tell her to take a good look at what those folks (Crescent Bar leaseholders) are offering us and ask her how much she wants to chip in.”

Regarding the ‘us’ part of her statement, her address speaks for itself. $40 million over 40 years amounts to a moderate yearly rate increase suggested by the leaseholders, not a windfall for island improvements. A look at the grayed out areas on the map provided by their PR firm indicates a quantity of public land remaining private. It appears the island occupants are hoping for some fun upgrades for themselves, under the guise of placating the public.

It’s unclear who ‘her’ is in her letter, so I’ll pretend it is me. To answer the question of ‘chipping in,’ I have been a Grant County PUD ratepayer/owner for decades. During all of those years I have not received the benefits of full public access and facilities at this – my - outstanding recreational asset.

What I have received are electrical rates that are the envy of the nation.

Bravo to our current GCPUD commissioners for protecting our dam licensing, and for moving forward with plans to restore Crescent Bar island to the public to whom it rightfully belongs.

Open houses have been scheduled for viewing plans and offering feedback on enhancements and recreational opportunities to be implemented when the occupants have vacated the island in 2012.

The next one is July 8 at the Quincy Fire Station, 1201 Central Ave S. Time – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

If you are unable to attend, call 509-754-5055 or e-mail commissioners@gcpud.org to offer your ideas and support. Don’t miss the chance to help shape the future of our island for generations to come!

Bonnie Schroeder

Quincy