Board agrees to spend up to $130,000

EPHRATA - Up to $130,000 of Grant County PUD's money will likely be used to build curbs, catch basins and dry wells near an emerging housing development in western Moses Lake.

The funds were approved this week after Fairway Drive resident Mick Hansen told PUD commissioners of how plans for the 340-home Sun Terrace project involved new six-foot-wide ditches between Westshore Drive and Road F.5.

He and other residents didn't like the idea, so they met with Grant PUD and Grant County commissioners earlier this month about the issue.

On Tuesday, he told the Columbia Basin Herald he was happy with the vote because he and other residents want a curb for pedestrian safety.

With a ditch, people will have to walk in the road or in the ditch, Hansen explained.

Residents knew unapproved driveways would be torn out with the development, he said. But it wasn't known until recently the driveways couldn't be replaced due to the new ditches, he said.

Residents are raising money to give to the developer to assist with the $50,000 approved by Grant County commissioners Nov. 10 for the road changes.

But the work isn't agreed upon. Residents have to obtain the project plans and get the developer to agree on the changes, Hansen told Grant County commissioners during a Nov. 10 meeting.

Grant PUD's payment to Grant County is contingent upon the utility being able to maintain and operate its electrical and telecommunications facilities at its present place, Grant PUD General Manager Tim Culbertson said.

Grant PUD must also be issued a permanent easement, he said.

The motion passed unanimously. Commissioner Greg Hansen abstained from voting, as Mick Hansen was involved.

Mick Hansen later confirmed he and Greg Hansen are brothers.

Grant PUD Commissioner Terry Brewer asked if the expense is roughly equal to what it might cost the PUD to relocate its facilities.

Grant PUD Customer Service Manager Tony Webb said it is about the same cost.

Commissioner Randy Allred said the $130,000 is less than the $150,000 or $160,000 estimated to move utilities.

Commissioner Bob Bernd said in some cases, the PUD must buy an easement.

Webb said an easement purchase is needed sometimes, but not in other instances. He added he thought the agreement protects the PUD in the future.