Another great year for Columbia Basin Trust

The Columbia Basin Trust works to strengthen the region's social, economic and environmental well-being.

The Columbia Basin Trust delivered over $22 mlllion through its programs and services in 2014-2015. — Photo courtesy cbt.org

(Columbia Basin) – As it approaches its 20th anniversary, Columbia Basin Trust is pleased to announce 2014/15 was another year of strong support to the area it serves in the Columbia Basin. Over the year the organization delivered nearly $22 million in programs and services to communities and residents, $17 million in new loans to Basin businesses and earned revenues of over $29 million.

The Trust works to strengthen the region’s social, economic and environmental well-being. In 2014/15, activities included establishing a new resource to support sports and physical activity, helping Junior Achievement expand into the Basin so youth can learn about entrepreneurship, renewing the Trust’s Social Strategic Plan and continuing to create a regional open-access broadband network.

The main way the Trust supports these activities is by investing in power projects. All power projects performed well over the year, and brought in revenues of over $22 million (out of total revenues of $29 million). In spring 2015 Waneta Expansion began operating, which will positively impact future revenues. The Trust also invests in market securities (stocks and bonds) and local real estate, and provides loans to Basin-based businesses.

“Because of the strong performance of our investments, our revenues were higher than anticipated, which means we were able to offer more programs and services to Basin residents,” said Neil Muth, Columbia Basin Trust President and Chief Executive Officer. “Moving into the future, we look forward to having even greater impact on well-being in the region.”

A major emphasis over the year involved engaging with residents to ask what's important to them and how the Trust should focus its efforts. About 3,000 people provided input that will help the Trust make decisions, set priorities and manage how it provides programs and services to the region.

Read more about the Trust’s performance in its 2014/15 Annual Service Plan Report at cbt.org/annualreport. For stories and photos of some of the projects it has supported, look for the magazine Your Trust (formerly Report to Residents) in your mailbox this fall.

Columbia Basin Trust supports efforts to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the residents of the Columbia Basin. To learn more about the Trust’s programs and initiatives, visit cbt.org or call 1.800.505.8998.