June 18, 2009	View Printable PDF Version
Docket Nos: P-2545-091 and P-12606-000

Commissioner Kelly's statement on New License for Spokane River Hydroelectric Project

• The Spokane River Hydroelectric Project has a long, complex history involving numerous stakeholders with diverse, and sometimes diverging, interests



• Perhaps one reason the Project attracts such passion is the history of the river on which the five dams are located; 35 years ago, the scenic beauty of Spokane, and its River and waterfalls, was the site of the 1974 World's Fair, also known as Expo '74, which was the first environmentally-themed World's Fair.



• Thus, it seems appropriate that we find ourselves here today, presented with comprehensive Settlement Agreements signed by Avista, the Tribe, the Department of Interior, and the Washington Department of Ecology, resolving a number of complicated environmental issues, as well as other associated relicensing issues



• It is a true testament to all of the parties involved that they were able to come to a comprehensive agreement that not only results in much needed power that will meet local and regional electricity demands, but does so while ensuring the protection of critical environmental and recreational resources



• I applaud the parties for their efforts, and add a special note of gratitude for staff's hard work. The Commission has said time and time again that we favor settlements-today's excellent order is the very reason why, and I am pleased to vote it out

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