Klickitat County Commissioners Discuss Solar and Energy Storage Projects at Recent Meeting

Solar and Energy Storage Projects Discussed at Klickitat County Board of Commissioners Meeting

GOLDENDALE — During the Klickitat County Board of Commissioners meeting on February 4, County Planning Director Scott Edelman shared a positive outlook for the county’s future despite revenue shortfalls from the Roosevelt landfill. He noted, “We see a lot of solar coming in over the next year and a half,” highlighting six or seven potential solar projects in the pipeline. Edelman expressed hope that the influx of pre-applications wouldn’t overwhelm the county at once, as several other significant projects are also in discussion.

Economic Development Director Richard Foster then provided an update on the Goldendale Energy Storage Project. He stated, “It looks like the Goldendale pumped storage project is going to be going through.” He elaborated on the project’s financial implications, mentioning that Rye Development’s budget had increased from $2.2 billion to $3.3 billion. Under a 1974 law concerning cultural resource surveys and archaeological studies, the project is required to allocate 1% of its budget, which amounts to $40 million, for these purposes.

The financial impact of this project on various taxing districts is still under evaluation. Additionally, the completion of the project may require input from the Klickitat County Water Conservancy Board, which has not convened in quite some time. Board member Adrian Bradford pointed out that “there have been no water rights issues in the state of Washington for over four years.” He speculated that the majority of Klickitat County residents might not fully understand the board’s functions.

However, with the ongoing pumped storage project and a sizable housing development proposed in Dallesport, this situation could change. The commissioners also addressed a FEMA mandate to update the county’s floodplain maps, part of a nationwide remapping initiative. Failure to comply could jeopardize flood insurance availability for county residents.

The meeting concluded with a presentation from members of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) from Goldendale High School, with participation from the Columbia High School chapter via Zoom. Both schools performed well at a recent district event, excelling in areas such as journalism, public policy, and job interviews. Consequently, Goldendale will send nine students to the state competition, while Columbia will send 40 students. The commissioners were pleased to support the FBLA’s request to declare February 9-15 as Future Business Leaders of America Week in Klickitat County. FBLA members were also excited to hear Commissioner Todd Andrews express interest in attending their meetings, recalling his own experience as a former FBLA member in high school.

Under the consent agenda, the commissioners approved several items, including:
– A second amendment to the Hearing Examiner Contract.
– Advertising to fill a vacant maintenance technician position in Bickleton for the Public Works Department.
– Awarding the Engineer of Record for the Columbia Gorge Regional Airport to Precision Approach Engineering.
– Changing the boundaries for Precincts 005 and 0109 to reflect land annexed into the City of White Salmon.
– Increasing the credit card limit for the elections department.
– A Statement of Work from Right Systems, Inc. to configure new network switches for the Klickitat County network.
– An agreement with the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington (AAADSW) for beneficiary outreach and assistance services.
– Advertising to fill a vacant seasonal weed control technician position.
– A contract with the Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities of Southwest Washington for family caregiver support services.
– An updated contractor profile for Klickitat County Senior Services.
– Execution of the contract retainage bond for the Sunnyside Road Overlay.
– Awarding a bid for white plastic edge lines, CRP 380.
– A consultant agreement with Kittelson & Associates, Inc. for the safety plan update.
– A public hearing scheduled for March 4 at 1:30 PM to revise speed limits on certain county roads.
– A public hearing on the same date to discuss the operation of wheeled all-terrain vehicles on specific county roads with posted speed limits of 35 MPH or less.
– A resolution amending and establishing rental fees for the use of the Dooley Barn.
– A supplemental agreement with Sargent Engineering, Inc. for on-call structural engineering services.
– A subrecipient agreement for the Community Development Block Grant with Washington Gorge Action Programs.
– A data-sharing agreement between behavioral health and the Washington State Department of Health.
– A request to carry over 2024 vacation hours.