GrantCounty’s effort at placing ponds and outbuildings on the shore of White River has turned controversial after ChelanCounty denied the required permits.

 

The fish-rearing project, which is a requirement of the PUD’s dam license, is aimed at raising endangered White River spring Chinook and has been in the works for more than six years.

 

ChelanCounty Commissioner, Doug England, says the location would require fill gravel, which is prohibited by shoreline regulations, in an area that has long been restricted.

 

Grant County PUD announced that it will pass over ChelanCounty’s regulations and will ask the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the authority to continue with the project despite the local ruling.

 

Commissioner England adds that the County isn’t taking the challenge of local land use authority lightly.

 

Grant County PUD expects to have paperwork into the Federal Commission by the middle of this month.

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