> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # ♻ Airport Additions to Renewables: What Klickitat BOCC Is Working On - 12/16-12/23 - URL: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/airport-additions-to-renewables-what-klickitat-bocc-is-working-on-12-16-12-23/ - Published: 2025-12-24T20:16:17.000Z - Updated: 2025-12-24T20:16:17.000Z - Description: Klickitat County wrapped up December with updates on road and bridge projects, park funding requests, wastewater planning in Dallesport, solar and battery siting rules, ADU reform, and staffing changes under a new County Administrator structure. - Author: Dispatch Squatch - Tags: Klickitat County, Klickitat Board of County Commissioners ## 🏛 Klickitat County Board of Commissioners ### Late December 2025 Meetings (Dec. 16 & Dec. 23) ### 🚧 Public Works, Roads & Facilities Commissioners approved several Public Works items, including equipment-rate updates required by state law, security-alarm contracts, and contractor notices for upcoming bridge repair projects. Work continues on: - **Bridge repair bundles** (deck and joint repairs) now moving through award processes - **Snowden Road overlay** and curve-warning signage installation - **Wood Gulch Bridge**, fully reimbursed by a renewable-energy developer using the route - Routine east- and west-county maintenance, including winter prep, ditching, guardrails, and tree removal --- ### ✈️ **Meanwhile, at the Airport…** If you’ve noticed more buzz around Gorge-area airports lately, you’re not imagining it. At the **Columbia Gorge Regional Airport**, Klickitat County has been wrapping up [long-planned improvements](https://columbiacommunityconnection.com/the-dalles/airport-ready-for-take-off?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io), including hangar work and infrastructure upgrades, with only minor punch-list items remaining. These projects are part of a slow but steady effort to make the airfield safer, more functional, and better positioned for the future. Across the river, the **Port of Hood River** is also working toward a shared regional goal: making the Gorge’s airports more [**financially self-sustaining**](https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/news/port-of-hood-river-works-towards-self-sustaining-airfield-goal/article%5F81c5b468-83a7-4006-aa64-f87e76e2b517.html?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io). Recent reporting highlights efforts to balance aviation needs, maintenance costs, and revenue from hangars and leases. This is a challenge faced by nearly every small rural airport. Why it matters locally: - Small airports support **emergency response, wildfire operations, medical transport, agriculture, and local business**, not just recreational flying. - Hangars and leases are one of the few tools airports have to cover operating costs without relying entirely on public subsidies. - As infrastructure ages, both ports and counties are grappling with how to pay for long-term upkeep while keeping access affordable. In short: no flashy announcements, but a lot of quiet, practical work aimed at keeping Gorge aviation viable and funded for the long haul. --- ### 🛣 Community Input: Lock Hill / Snowden Road Area Public Works hosted a **non-decision open house** to gather public input on possible future improvements near the Lock Hill / Snowden Road corridor. Options presented ranged from simple overlays to full rebuilds. No funding is secured, and no project is moving forward yet — this was purely an information-gathering step. ### 🌲 Parks & Community Project Requests The Board discussed legislative funding requests from **Wishram and Dallesport** for park improvements. Commissioners emphasized: - Legislative funding must flow through the county - **Planning grants** are more realistic than construction funding at this stage - Ongoing concern about **long-term maintenance costs**, especially for restrooms and utilities No applications were approved yet; staff were directed to continue conversations and report back quickly due to end-of-year legislative deadlines. ### 🚽 Dallesport Wastewater Survey Results Public Works presented results from a **third-party, door-to-door survey** of Dallesport wastewater customers: - Average satisfaction score: **7.5 out of 10** - **12.6%** support transferring system ownership to Klickitat PUD - **61.2%** neutral - **26.2%** opposed, largely due to rate concerns The survey was conducted independently to avoid bias and will inform future discussions; no decision was made. ### 🏗 Planning & Development Updates The Planning Department reported major end-of-year workload pressure, with a surge of short plats and boundary line adjustments before regulatory deadlines. Key planning items included: - **Solar & Battery Storage Ordinance:** Advanced through Planning Commission; awaiting legal review. A recommendation is unlikely before February. - **Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):** Staff plan a January workshop and may propose splitting changes into two amendments to speed relief for applicants. - **Comprehensive Plan Update:** Phase II work plan and outreach strategy are being finalized, with spring public engagement anticipated. - **Short-Term Rentals:** Staff confirmed work is underway with a goal of a February workshop and March public hearing. ### 💼 County Organization & Staffing Staff updated the Board on progress toward **combining county departments under a County Administrator structure**, with the goal of providing clarity and stability for employees early in 2026. IT staff requested approval to retain a retiring employee on a short-term, hourly basis in January to finish critical network work. No objections were raised. ### ♻ Solid Waste & Recycling Solid Waste staff reported: - The **Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Plan** draft will be ready for Board review before being sent to Ecology - **Republic Services** will roll out new recycling routes beginning January 12, with public outreach planned - **Horse Thief Landfill** post-closure monitoring is complete, pending final Ecology sign-off --- ### 🧭 What to Watch Next - Solar & battery storage ordinance legal review - ADU rule changes and fee schedule discussions - Short-term rental ordinance timeline - Legislative grant decisions for parks and infrastructure - Follow-up on wastewater system governance in Dallesport --- ## 🗓 Join the Next Klickitat County BOCC Meeting **📍 Klickitat County Board of Commissioners** Meetings are typically held **Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m.**, some items continuing into the afternoon or evening. **Next meeting is scheduled for December 30th.** **💻 Join via Zoom:** [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/586587651](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/586587651?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) **📞 Dial-in:** 1-346-248-7799 Meeting ID: **586 587 651** **🗣 Public Comment:** - In-person comments are taken during the designated public comment period. - **Written comments** may be submitted to [**bocc@klickitatcounty.org**](mailto:bocc@klickitatcounty.org) and must be received **by noon the day prior** to be acknowledged at the meeting.