Columbia River shoreline access to be decided

EPHRATA, Wash. (AP) – Grant County officials plan to announce in January whether they will reopen part of the Columbia River Shoreline between Wanapum Dam and Rock Island Dam for public use sometime this spring.

The shoreline has been closed since late February when a crack was discovered in a spillway pillar at the Wanapum Dam. The closure affected 90 miles of shoreline.

Officials want to reopen the shoreline to normal operation, including opening the river for recreation, as quickly as possible, according to the Columbia Basin Herald.

The Grant County Public Utility District is in the process of evaluating the shoreline and making a plan, but the review process involves many federal and state agencies as well as Native American tribes, said Chuck Allen, a spokesman for the utility district.

“There are several interests beyond Grant PUD’s interests,” Allen said.

Utility district officials hope to have at least some sections of the riverbank open before the traditional opening of the summer recreation season in May.

An investigation into the causes of the crack found design errors. Repairs are underway, and they are expected to be completed by March.

No one intends to close the shoreline long-term, Allen said. “We have a requirement to provide for public recreation along the reservoir,” he said.

The utility district has also spent money improving recreation facilities along the river, including three boat launches.

Officials are aware of the public’s concerns and don’t want to keep the shoreline closed any longer than necessary, Allen said.

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Information from: Columbia Basin Herald, http://www.columbiabasinherald.com