CRITICAL ISSUE

You will read about this here in the Sierra Sun Times and nowhere
else. Last Tuesday, first agenda item before the Mariposa County
Board of Supervisors, was a discussion concerning the re-licensing
process for the power generation plant at Exchequer Dam, currently
operated by PG&E. The Merced Irrigation District owns and
operates the Exchequer Dam and Lake McClure, and as the result of a
bond sale at the time of the raising of the dam in the 1960's, PG&E
became the operator. That relationship ends in about 5 years, as
does that portion of the contract with Mariposa County which provided
$100,000 a year for 50 years. The contract calls for Mariposa County
to use the funds for water development and related uses. A large
part of the revenue from this contract was used for the Saxton Creek
project but over the years grants and loans benefited many
communities in Mariposa County.
At the end of the current phase of the contract, the agreement shifts
to a form of a partnership in sharing power revenue for the next 50
years. I was a bit involved in l960 when District Attorney Dean
Lauritzen negotiated this most favorable contract which resulted in
the withdrawal of protests concerning the new Exchequer project in
exchange for the payments to Mariposa County. The first benefit will
end in 2014, at which time the license holder of the power plant will
share a portion of the power revenues with Mariposa County. The
assumption is that MID will be successful in being the new operator,
although others can apply. Regardless, the license holder will still
discharge the contractual obligation to Mariposa County.
The Upper Merced River Watershed Committee, a local group dedicated
to monitoring and protecting the Merced River, operates under the
sponsorship of the Resource Conservation District. The UMRWC has
formed a citizens committee representing a number of interests, for
the purpose of assisting in the re-licensing effort. The Watershed
Committee has invited the Mariposa County Water Agency Advisory Board
to participate in a series of discussions relating to this activity.
There is a great deal to know about the future events as they are
very important to Mariposa County. The report to the Board of
Supervisors is an important step for the economic well being of this
county for the next 50 plus years. It should be treated very
seriously and be well understood. Mariposa County government has
already taken steps to address its contractual responsibility
regarding this application process.
Mariposa County is well aware of the impending re-licensing and has
taken steps to fulfill the provisions of the contract. The Water
Attorney representing the county has reviewed the contract and a
report has been delivered to both the Board, which sits as the Water
Agency, and the Water Agency Advisor Committee. A section of the
contract obligates Mariposa County to participate and support Merced
Irrigation District in their re-licensing effort.
Many legal requirements for such projects have changed by Federal
and State legislation in the almost 50 years since the contract was
negotiated.
Which of these requirements appropriately apply to this effort is
being studied but it is clear that 2008 is a much different time in
our history. In l960 there were few environmental laws, nor laws
referring to cultural and environmental concerns. The license is
issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the current
rules for re-licensing require examination and mitigation of
significant issues not apparent in l960. The value of this agreement
to Mariposa County, as well as to Merced Irrigation District,
supports our active involvement and attention. Stay Tuned.
A word about Dean Lauritzen. District Attorney Lauritzen, and later
Superior Court Judge, represented Mariposa County in crafting this
agreement. Both Judge Lauritzen and his wife Marianne have passed
on, but it must be recorded the service that was rendered to the
citizens of Mariposa County. The total term of this beneficial
contract will be 100 years. The revenues thus gained will provide
Mariposa County with the capital for the enhancement and building of
many water and related projects. Seldom does any such action have
such a long lasting benefit to the citizens of our county.
I was fortunate to interview the Judge about the negotiations in the
late l950's that lead to this beneficial partnership with Merced
Irrigation District and he should be recognized for the quality of
his work.

Leroy Radanovich

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Leroy Radanovich

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To learn much more about Mariposa County along with
historical photos:
A signed copy of "Images of America" - Mariposa County,
By Leroy Radanovich can be purchased at his web site:
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This is a early day photo of the Mariposa Mine in
Mariposa County that is mentioned in the article to
the left by Mr. Radanovich.

This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books






Mariposa in 1920

This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books





Mariposa County Courthouse written by Leroy Radanovich and
Scott Pinkerton is a book about the oldest courthouse in California that is still in use today.
The book is signed by Leroy Radanovich.
To purchase the book:
Radanovich Galleria & Books






Mariposa in 1860

This photo and others can be purchased in various sizes.
All prints are archivally printed on fiber based paper, given a selenium wash which renders the photographs permanent with a warm tone ready for framing
Radanovich Galleria & Books