EPHRATA — The Grant County Public Utility District moved closer Monday to a new operating license for Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams, after commissioners voted to sign the Priest Rapids salmon and steelhead settlement agreement.

The PUD entered the settlement with federal, state and tribal parties to resolve all issues between them related to spring, summer and fall Chinook salmon, Sockeye salmon, Steelhead and Coho salmon, in connection with the PUD's existing and new operating license for the two Columbia River dams.

The PUD is seeking a new Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license after the previous 50-year license expired on Oct. 31 of this year. The PUD is planning to receive the new license as early as July 2006 and will operate with an annual license until FERC reaches a decision.

Commissioner Tom Flint said the settlement was a huge accomplishment for the PUD and one of the last major steps needed in the process of obtaining a new FERC license.

Commissioner Greg Hansen agreed.

"It brings all the parties together and gets them on the same page," Hansen said.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, state Department of Fish and Wildlife and Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation negotiated the settlement with the PUD.

The settlement is designed to make up a comprehensive and long-term management program for the protection, mitigation, and enhancements of fish species covered by the agreement which pass the dams or may be affected by them.

The 49-page settlement agreement is subject to FERC approval and will become effective after being signed by all parties.

The Yakama Nation and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, if they were to sign the settlement, would be able to participate in its implementation. The settlement invites and encourages the two potential parties to sign on before the effective date or up to six months later to join in its implementation.

The PUD's biologists and General Manager Tim Culbertson reviewed the settlement prior to the commission vote, recommending its approval Monday after determining it to be in the best interest of the district.