Wanapum Heritage Center nears completion

WANAPUM DAM – The new 50,000-square foot Wanapum Heritage Center, on the banks of the Columbia River just above Wanapum Dam, is on schedule for a planned mid-2014 completion.

Most of what's left to do, according to Public Information Officer Thomas Stredwick, is the creation and placement of exhibits.

“Projects implemented at this new building will perpetuate the importance of the culture, traditions and beliefs of the Wanapum for years to come,” he said.

In addition, this facility will allow Grant County PUD to remain compliant with its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license and Memorandum of Agreement with the Wanapum people.

According to Stredwick, the building will have ample space to share the stories and collections of the Wanapum. There will be a dedicated area to record the valuable oral histories, Wanapum stories and the Wanapum language. The library will have materials and research space for staff and the public

Other amenities will include open space for large group activities, conferences, demonstrations, trainings and living culture programs

The cost of the project will be $20 million, according to Stredwick.