PUD works on water, other issues

The Wahkiakum PUD Board of Commissioners discussed water rights and power issues in their meeting on November 19.

Manager Dave Tramblie reported that there were no power outages as a result of the November 12 windstorm. Commissioner Esther Gregg said she had several calls at her home from people inquiring if the PUD had any reported outages. She jokingly said there was disappointment in the voices of the people she spoke with almost as if they wished their power would have gone out.

Tramblie also mentioned to the board that Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) may allow the PUD to use conservation credits to assist the high school to replace their outdated heating system, but it is still far from being a done deal. However, if the school can be operated efficiently, it will be a win-win for all rate payers, he said.

A rate hearing has been scheduled for those living in the Westend. It will be held at Rosburg Hall on December 3 at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Issues to be discussed include raising the basic service fee five percent and the cubic foot charge 10 percent for the Western Wahkiakum Water System (WWWS), a temporary service fee increase to $150 with a maximum time limit of nine months for electric services only. Any proposed rate hikes will not be finalized until after the public hearings.

A detailed list of discussions is available at the PUD office on River Street in Cathlamet.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the WWWS brought several key people who were involved in the process of bringing the system to life.

John Kounts, Water Program Director for the Washington Public Utility District Association (WPUDA), former Commissioner Charles Buennagel, and State Representative Brian Blake, who forwent a duck hunting trip to show his support for the completion of the system, were just a few of those in attendance.

Long time resident Robert Larson was pleased with the extension, saying it has been 17 years in the making.

The expansion project began construction in April, 2006, and was completed and put online in December, 2006. The system serves approximately 313 customers and extends along Salmon Creek Road, Tienharra Road, Alanan Road, and Hungry Highway.

The total cost of the project was $1,846,700 with funding by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) State Tribal Grant, Wahkiakum and Pacific Counties, U.S. Forest Service and system connection charges.