PUD paying millions for "luxury" improvements

The Grant PUD is paying $41,516,398 for luxury improvements at Crescent Bar.

Grant PUD ratepayers need to understand that they are paying for a golf course and a 61-slip boat marina, and these items contribute to higher monthly electric bills.

The federal government required Grant PUD to make improvements at Crescent Bar as part of the re-licensing process. The improvements were approved by a split vote of the PUD Commission, with Commissioners Bob Bernd, Terry Brewer and Larry Schaapman voting to protect the privileges of the 410 residences on public land at the expense of ratepayers. The total projected cost for the boat marina, boat launch and commercial building and parking is over $8 million.

Commissioners Tom Flint and Dale Walker have questioned such excessive costs to the ratepayers. In addition, they questioned the PUD’s building of more luxury improvements than are required for the next generating license for the dams.

All Crescent Bar improvements are being financed with ratepayer money while, at the same time, Grant PUD commissioners are considering how much they will continue to increase your electric bill. I believe that Grant PUD should put the electric ratepayers, and the rates we pay, as the priority rather than the small number of Crescent Bar residents. If you agree, please, call or write and ask for good reasons for this misuse of public money.

Contact PUD: commissioners@grantpud.org Phone: (509) 754-0500 ask for the Commissioners Office.

If you disagree with the FERC decision to allow private residents to remain on Crescent Bar public land until 2052, please write before Dec. 17. You need to use the name “P-2114 Crescent Bar Non-project use of Public Land” in your letter. Mail to: Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, FERC, 888 First Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20426

Danna Dal Porto

Quincy, WA