Chelan PUD looks ahead with proposed Manson land purchase

MANSON — Chelan County PUD commissioners on May 18 discussed a proposed land purchase in Manson that district staff say could help preserve future infrastructure options as growth continues in the area.

The discussion centered on a five-acre orchard property that staff said is available for purchase for $500,000 through a willing seller. No action was taken during the meeting, though staff said they plan to return June 1 with a resolution for commissioners to consider.

Project Manager Abra O’Leary and PUD Real Estate Specialist Kevin Harrington presented the proposal during the commission meeting, describing the property as being within an area identified by district planners as a future “load center” for electrical demand.

“The Manson area is experiencing growth driving the need for future infrastructure planning,” O’Leary told commissioners.

Staff emphasized repeatedly that the district is not committing to a specific project or facility at the site.

“We are not committing to any specific infrastructure yet,” O’Leary said. “We are securing options for this community’s future.”

Staff said securing land early allows the district to preserve options before additional residential development potentially limits future infrastructure siting opportunities. 

According to the presentation, the property owner approached the PUD directly before listing the parcel publicly. Harrington said the owner has also offered to continue farming the orchard through a lease agreement after the sale, since the district does not currently have an immediate use planned for the site.

“Since we don't have an immediate use for the site, that arrangement helps us to avoid committing district staff time or maintenance resources during the term of the lease,” Harrington said.

Staff said the property aligns with the district’s long-range planning efforts and its “2075 vision,” which focuses on preparing for future infrastructure and service needs.

Commissioners also discussed whether continued growth in the Manson area could eventually require use of both the proposed property and another parcel the district acquired earlier this year nearby.

Commissioner Kelly Allen asked whether district planners could foresee eventually needing both properties as demand grows.

O’Leary said she would need to consult further with engineering staff, noting that district load forecasting work is ongoing and tied closely to future development activity in the area.

The district said preliminary due diligence and soil testing on the property did not identify environmental or cultural concerns that would prevent the purchase from moving forward.

If approved in June, the acquisition would give the district another property option for future infrastructure planning in the Manson area.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media