FERC approves Grant PUD's Shoreline Management Plan

EPHRATA – The Grant County Public Utility District received “good news,” it said, from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on April 18.

According to the PUD, The FERC approved the PUD's plan to protect the shorelines of Priest Rapids and Wanapum dam reservoirs and supports the PUD’s plan to transition Crescent Bar to full public use.

That means the residents of private housing and condominiums on Crescent Bar Island would have to leave. Their leases have run out, but they are fighting in court to stay.

In their order, FERC Commissioners stated, that the proposed Shoreline Management Plan is in the public interest because it comprehensively manages the project shoreline in a manner that protects environmental and public recreation resources, preserves historic and cultural resources, and protects scenic quality and aesthetic resources.

“We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” Commission President Terry Brewer said. “FERC gave us a very positive analysis on the proposal we made to improve the shorelines and increase public recreation and we couldn’t be more pleased.”

Included in the FERC’s order was its approval of the PUD’s proposed use of Crescent Bar Island.

“We recognize that Grant PUD’s proposal is contrary to the desires of the Crescent Bar Island leaseholders, many of whom view their leasehold interests as much more than a temporary property interest,” the FERC stated.

“However, Grant PUD’s proposal, a matter within its sole discretion, not to extend the lease on its lands was made for its own business and public policy reasons as well as to be consistent with its license obligations, and is consistent with the [Federal Power Act], Commission regulations and Commission precedent.”

But the battle to kick the islanders out is not over. Grant PUD, the Port of Quincy and Crescent Bar islanders are still engaged in litigation over the those leases and promises for lease extensions that Spokane Federal Judge Justin Quackenbush has recognized.

One islander close to the attorneys for her side, reacting to the PUD's news, said: “Doomsday? Hardly.”

A spokesman for the islanders' lease committee said: “We are not surprised that FERC would approve such a plan, given that FERC is only in a position to approve what is before the FERC Commission. As confirmed by FERC, the PUD solely made the business decision to evict 415-plus homeowners despite written agreements and promises it made to extend leases for the duration of a new license.”

The lease committee also expressed disappointment with the PUD's disclosure of details from a January mediation session between the PUD, the Port, lease committee members and plaintiffs to the litigation. The committee claims there was an agreement not to do so.

“We remain hopeful that we can reach a settlement with the PUD and the Port that is favorable to all parties,” the committee spokesman said.