Grant PUD narrows Crescent Bar options

By Lynne Lynch

Herald staff writer

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners narrowed the options for Crescent Bar Island’s recreation plan. They are option B and option D, which were two of the four choices presented to the public this summer. The public submitted written comments to the utility about their preferred options, favoring option D. The utility is now asking tribes and government agencies for input on the different proposed plans. The estimated cost for option B is between $14.2 million and $17.2 million, which includes $1.2 million and $2 million to renovate the treatment plant, $2 million to update commercial buildings. Option B features a public campground with 125 campsites, golf course, boat launch, moorage and tow vehicle parking, fuel float, habitat restoration, trail system, day use parks, renovated commercial buildings in the former condos and maintenance facility improvements. The estimated cost for Option D is between $11.5 million and $14.5 million. Option D features a public campground, shoreline park, boat launch, moorage and tow vehicle parking, fuel float, retail area near boat launch, habitat restoration, trail system, day use parks and maintenance facility. Unlike option B, renovated condos are not part of option D. Cheryl Dotson, of Grant PUD, also spoke of an irrigation system that needs replaced for the golf course. Commissioner Greg Hansen commented about keeping the cost as low as possible, with the least capital expenditure. “We have to do it, but we don’t have to do it in an expensive way,” Hansen said. Commissioner Tom Flint said it didn’t feel right to him to acquire the condos, rehabilitate them and use them again. He added he didn’t want to be a “hypocrite.” Flint also said he heard from residents during recent meetings who want the transition done in phases to avoid closing the entire island. It would allow public access to continue at the boat launch and picnic areas. He thought some people saw how the PUD closed Getty’s Cove and were worried. The district purchased Getty’s Cove in 2009. David Stipe, principal of Project Groundwork, a planning and design firm working with the PUD, spoke about water being a major draw to the island. “If we can make access to the water easier and make that experience more enjoyable, than we’re likely to increase visitation to the island,” Stipe said. The PUD was asked to attend a Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in Spokane in August. The purpose of the meeting would be to discuss a possible partnership for Crescent Bar Island. The benefits of such a partnership include state parks already being in the parks business, having regional staff and being eligible for grant funds, said Kelly Larimer, the utility’s lands and recreation manager. Chelan County PUD owns seven parks that are operated by lease agreements with state parks, according to Chelan PUD’s Web site. Financial losses ranging between $33,000 and $187,000 were shown for Wenatchee Confluence State Park, Daroga State Park and Lincoln Rock State Park, according to 2009 figures from the state agency. It’s unclear whether Chelan PUD covers the loss, said Stipe. Flint said that is was something they needed to know. State parks offered to provide Grant PUD with feedback on any options it is considering and to provide the PUD with a business plan, Larimer said. Flint asked what Chelan PUD budgeted for its parks. Larimer said Chelan PUD has a $3 million operations and maintenance budget for that area. Grant PUD’s updated draft plan and schedule for Crescent Bar Island is available online at www.gcpud.org in a week. Grant PUD Commissioner Terry Brewer was absent from Monday’s meeting. His absence was excused by the commission.