The giant pump storage energy generation project on the banks of the Columbia in Klickitat County took a huge step forward in December, when a $3 million grant was awarded by the U.S. government for a next level study. U.S. House member Jaime Herrera Beutler was able to get the grant approved due her powerful and respected position on the House Appropriations Committee and due to the clean energy project’s unique significance to the entire Northwest. The grant request was submitted through the Goldendale Chamber of Commerce and its executive director, Dana Peck.