GROUNDBREAKING OF NACHES SEGMENT OF YAKIMA GREENWAY TRAIL WILL FOCUS ON LOCAL HISTORY
Posted: June 11th, 2010 11:46 AM
Shovels will be turning dirt June 14 when work begins on another new segment of the Yakima Greenway Trail, one that helps extend the pathway further westward to connect with the town of Naches. Pacific Power is donating $40,000 to fund this one-eighth mile portion of the trail expansion in celebration of 100 years serving local customers. Yakima and the surrounding area were one of four original communities served when the company began operations June 16, 1910. The new trail expansion will follow a former rail line and pass in front of the now-retired Pacific Power Naches Hydroelectric Project, which served local customers and communities 96 years, from 1907 until 2003.
When: Monday, June 14; 2 p.m.
Where: Site of trail expansion – meet at the Pacific Power substation next to the former Naches Hydroelectric Project. Location is on Highway 12, 5.1 miles west of the traffic light at the intersection of Highway 12 and the Old Naches Highway. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at the Visitors' Center in Naches.
What: Project groundbreaking for the next expansion of the Yakima Greenway pathway. Visuals will include formal turning of the dirt with local leaders, volunteers and Pacific Power officers, and unveiling of the Naches plant interpretive sign that will commemorate the site.
Who: Special guest will be 92-year-old Letitia Morton Alvarez, whose father, Fred Morton, was an early PP&L employee and operator of the Naches hydro plant. They lived in on-site company housing until 1924. Mrs. Alvarez will be accompanied by her cousin, State Rep. Norm Johnson. Others confirmed to attend include Garry Heilman, Yakima Greenway Foundation president, and Pat Reiten, Pacific Power president along with his executive team. Interviews can be pre-arranged.
Why: In recognition of a century of service together, Pacific Power worked with local leaders in each of its four original communities to provide a lasting gift. Helping expand the Yakima Greenway trail was a fitting gift for this area, and especially fitting is that it is the section that passes by Pacific Power's old hydro facility and will eventually link the trail with the town of Naches.
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About Pacific Power
In 2010, Pacific Power celebrates 100 years serving customers and communities. From our beginnings -- serving 7,000 customers in four Northwest communities -- Pacific Power now provides electric service to almost 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. Our goal is to provide our customers with value for their energy dollar, and safe, reliable electricity, for another 100 years. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 1.7 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.
About Yakima Greenway Foundation
The Yakima Greenway Foundation was formed in 1980 as a private, nonprofit land trust. Its mission was and is to conserve, enhance and maintain the Yakima Greenway as a continuing living resource for future generations. The Greenway now stretches from Selah Gap to Union Gap, and west along the Naches River to 40th Avenue. More than ten miles of paved pathway connect parks, river access landings, nature trails, fishing lakes and protected natural areas. For more information, visit www.yakimagreenway.org.
About Pacific Power Centennial Legacy Projects
In recognition of 100 years of service, Pacific Power is providing its original four communities with a lasting gift, a Legacy gift. Working with local community leaders, the following projects have been identified:
• Astoria, Ore. – Community tree planting and restoration of the historic Shively Fountain.
• Pendleton, Ore. – New scoreboard for Pendleton Round-Up, also celebrating a centennial in 2010.
• Walla Walla, Wash. – The new "Huff 'n Puff" sustainability center at the Children's Museum of Walla Walla.
• Yakima, Wash. – A new portion of the Yakima Greenway Trail adjacent to Pacific Power's former Naches Hydroelectric Plant.
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