Yakama Nation reaches deal with utility district

Tuesday, June 5, 2007  

The Yakama Nation of Washington has reached an agreement with a utility district that would bring millions of dollars in payments to the tribe.

Under the deal, Yakama Power, the tribe's utility, will become a purchaser for the Grant County Public Utility District. This would bring in between $2 million and $8 million a year for the tribe.

In exchange, the tribe won't pursue any damage claims against the utility, which operates two dams on the Columbia River. The tribe has treaty rights to fish on the river.

The settlement also calls for the tribe and the utility to cooperate on other projects.

Get the Story:
Tribe, PUD make deal on power (The Yakima Herald-Republic 6/5)
Press Release: Grant County PUD Approves Historic Agreement with Yakama Nation (GCPUD 6/4)

$rl Yakama Power - http://www.yakamapower.com

Related Stories:
Editorial: Yakama Nation negotiates power deal (6/1) Yakama Nation's power utility faces challenge (5/30)
Yakama Nation's new utility powers reservation (05/12)