CRESCENT BAR - While the legal battle over their homes trudges on in court, the residents of Crescent Bar island have added a new front, asking the White House for help.

Two residents of the Crescent Bar Condominiums encouraged all Crescent Bar island home owners early in October to sign a petition they hoped would bring White House attention to their plight.

They did, and a national goal of 5,000 signatures was achieved.

Leases on condominium units and individual properties are set to expire in April. If a lawsuit in federal court or this petition don't bring a change, residents will have to vacate.

The lawsuit against the Grant County PUD is moving slowly. Residents are waiting for Judge Justin Quackenbush to decide on a request for an injunction against eviction action.

First, Quackenbush is thinking about whether to throw the PUD's attorneys off the case. Attorneys for the residents have claimed the PUD attorneys have a conflict of interest.

Now comes this petition that started in Virginia, with residents of a community faced with similar circumstances on land under the purview of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

"We have recently learned of other lake communities that are affected by FERC and its over-reaching ways," said condo resident Nancy Polky in an email to all Crescent Bar island residents.

According to Heather Trautmann, also of the condos, Lake of the Ozarks, located near St. Louis, was the subject of a recent national television report. FERC approved a shoreline management plan that threatens 1,200 homes.

Another lakefront community drawn into the fray is Smith Mountain Lake in Moneta, Va. A member of that homeowners association, Bill Brush, launched the online petition in hopes like-minded people across the country would sign.

The petition will be delivered to the White House's We the People website. It was set up for people to petition the White House directly. According to the website, if the petition attracts a significant number of signatures, it will be reviewed by White House staff for possible action.

According to Polky, 5,000 signatures were needed by Oct. 28. Although Washington state came late to the party, the 5,000 signatures were achieved and Washington residents accounted for 23 percent.

"I want to thank everyone who signed," Trautmann said.

Trautmann noted there could be help on the way in Congress. She said legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate that aims to limit the FERC's ability to require the removal of existing structures within FERC projects.

"This is a very important development," Trautmann said. "We will soon post information about contacting Senators Cantwell and Murray, as well as your congressional representative."