"Yakama nation, Grant County PUD reach salmon agreement "

Yakima Herald Republic Online

"Yakama nation, Grant County PUD reach salmon agreement

In a move reflecting two decades of discussions, the Yakama nation and Grant County Public Utility District signed a long-term agreement today intended to protect salmon on the Columbia River. PUD officials said the agreement resolves all salmon and steelhead issues between it and tribal, state and federal agencies in connection with the utility's license. Among other points, the agreement covers water flows below the PUD's Wanapum and Priest Rapids dams and calls for habitat funding, turbine replacement at Wanapum Dam and other measures to protect fish populations. The agreement now goes before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission as part of the relicensing process for the Priest Rapids Dam. -- Yakima Herald-Republic staff"