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February 14th, 2005

COMMISSIONERS ASK FERC TO DIRECT PUGET SOUND ENERGY TO RESTORE ACCESS TO LAKE SHANNON RECREATIONAL AREA

SKAGIT COUNTY - The Board of Skagit County Commissioners issued a letter to the Federal Energy Regulator Commission today asking for their assistance to direct Puget Sound Energy, the licensee for the Baker Project, to take whatever actions necessary to restore public recreational access to the boat launch and day use area on Lake Shannon.

It is the position of the Board that Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has a responsibility under the Federal Power Act and its license to make appropriate arrangements to continue to provide access to Lake Shannon, as has been the established practice.

"For more than 30 years, PSE has cooperated with local property owners adjacent to the lake to provide access," said Commissioner Ted Anderson. "If this access route is not restored, there will be no access to Lake Shannon. We want to do everything in our power to make sure that public is not shut out."

The Commissioners stated in their letter that this is critical that this issue be resolved no later than April 30, 2005, the start of fishing season, when hundreds of anglers expect to begin the season at Lake Shannon.

For further information, contact: Dan Berentson
Communications Director
(360)419-3461