National Hydropower Association recognizes collaborative effort

SPOKANE, Wash., May 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Avista Corp. (NYSE: AVA) is the recipient of a National Hydropower Association (NHA) award recognizing the company's recreation resource management plan on the Clark Fork River in Idaho and Montana. The recreation plan is a result of Avista's collaborative licensing process for Noxon Rapids and Cabinet Gorge hydroelectric facilities, licensed collectively as the Clark Fork Project.

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Avista has worked with a variety of groups including the U.S. Forest Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Idaho Parks and Recreation, and others to develop recreation plans and facilities. To date the effort has resulted in improvements to 19 recreation sites along both reservoirs and the lower river. Improvements ranged from better signage and improved accessibility to total site reconstruction. The Recreation Resource Subgroup, made up of stakeholders who signed the Clark Fork Settlement Agreement, typically lead the projects. The effort also benefited from the involvement of 18 other organizations.

"Together, group members identify and prioritize recreation projects based on need and opportunity," said Brian Burky, recreation specialist from Avista. "The group utilizes their combined expertise to develop site plans, ensuring that the developments meet both public and agency needs. The group also balances these needs with the goal of maintaining the rural and rustic character of the Clark Fork River area."

Burky added that the success of the recreation program is a result of the collaborative process and the dedication of the participants ranging from volunteer citizens to state and federal agencies.

"It has been satisfying to see the efforts of community and agency stakeholders bear fruit, and I look forward to continuing our relationship with them," said Brian Avery, United States Forest Service district ranger.

An important goal of the project has been to make all recreation facilities universally accessible. Two examples include an upgrade to the Trout Creek Community boat ramp and the Marten Creek day use and campground area.

This is the fifth consecutive year that Avista has been selected for a stewardship award from NHA. The previous awards have recognized the company for its outstanding environmental stewardship.

Avista Corp. is an energy company involved in the production, transmission and distribution of energy as well as other energy-related businesses. Avista Utilities is a company operating division that provides electric and natural gas service to customers in four western states. Avista's non-regulated subsidiaries include Avista Advantage and Avista Energy. Avista Corp.'s stock is traded under the ticker symbol "AVA" and its Internet address is www.avistacorp.com.

NOTE: Avista Corp. and the Avista Corp. logo are trademarks of Avista Corporation. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.

SOURCE  Avista Corp.
    -0-                             05/10/2004
    /CONTACT:  Hugh Imhof of Avista Corp., +1-509-495-4264, or
hugh.imhof@avistacorp.com/
/Photo:  NewsCom:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040128/SFW031LOGO
             AP Archive:  http://photoarchive.ap.org
             PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com/
    /Web site:  http://www.avistacorp.com /
    (AVA)

CO:  Avista Corp.
ST:  Washington
IN:  UTI OIL
SU:  AWD

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2190 05/10/2004 16:30 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com