> ## 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. # 🧯From Fire Recovery to Broadband - Klickitat BOCC Highlights for 8/5/25 - URL: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/from-fire-recovery-to-broadband-klickitat-bocc-highlights-for-8-5-25/ - Published: 2025-08-09T00:25:03.000Z - Updated: 2025-08-09T00:25:03.000Z - Description: The Klickitat County Board of Commissioners held its regular meeting on 8/5, focusing on updated infrastructure planning, wildfire recovery and changes to permit processes, energy regulation, and county appointments. - Author: Dispatch Squatch - Tags: Klickitat Board of County Commissioners, Klickitat County ## 📰 Klickitat County Board of County Commissioners Meeting Summary – August 5, 2025 ### 🛣️ Transportation Program Amendments At the **1:30 PM public hearing**, the Board approved updates to the county’s **Six‑Year Transportation Improvement Program (2025–2030)**. Key projects added: - **Snowden Road Overlay** (\~$3.6M) - **Schrantz Road Bridge** replacement (\~$200K) - Sidewalk improvements on Fairgrounds Road --- ### 🔋 Energy Overlay & Zoning Updates Commissioners adopted amendments to the Energy Overlay Zone (EOZ) in Title 19 of county code: - **Large-scale solar projects** (over 1 acre) are now prohibited in specific townships. - **Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)** are explicitly excluded as accessory uses. - A **moratorium extension** was approved to delay new BESS applications while permanent rules are developed. --- ### 🧯 Wildfire Recovery & Hazardous Waste Planning Klickitat County approved a $99,688 contract with **Herrera Environmental Consultants** to update the Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Plan and conduct a feasibility study on organics collection for Bingen and White Salmon. This includes exploring options like curbside composting, community drop-off, and small-scale processing systems. ### 🏞 Columbia River Gorge Commission – Wildfire Recovery Permitting **Commissioner Valerie Fowler**, Klickitat County’s representative to the **Columbia River Gorge Commission (CRGC)**, briefed the Board on the agency’s ongoing work to address rebuilding challenges for residents impacted by recent wildfires, including the **Burdoin Fire**. Key points from her update: - **Scenic Area Permit Barriers** - Fowler noted that current National Scenic Area (NSA) land use rules can delay or complicate rebuilding efforts for homes lost in fires. - The CRGC is exploring temporary and permanent policy adjustments, sometimes referred to as “hardship permits,” to streamline approval for like-for-like home replacements and essential infrastructure. - **Inter-County Coordination** - The Gorge Commission has been presenting similar wildfire permitting updates to other Gorge counties, including **Skamania and Wasco**, to gather feedback and identify common priorities. - Klickitat’s input will help shape any formal amendments to NSA management plans or administrative rules. - **Community Engagement** - The Commission plans to seek **direct feedback from fire-affected residents** before adopting new processes. This may include targeted outreach meetings, online comment opportunities, and coordination with county planning staff. - **Timeline & Next Steps** - Fowler emphasized that any official rule change must be adopted through the CRGC’s public process, but **interim guidance** could be issued more quickly to avoid delaying recovery. - The Board expressed interest in ensuring that Klickitat’s planning department is closely involved, so that local permit processing aligns with any new CRGC recommendations. Further Reading: [Leaving Lyle: One evacuation story from the Burdoin fire](https://upliftlocal.news/leaving-lyle-one-evacuation-story-from-the-burdoin-fire/?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) --- ### 🧾 Additional Updates & Appointments - **Eric Wilson** was appointed to the **Hood River–White Salmon Bridge Authority**, replacing Marla Keethler, filling a term through January 1, 2028. - New members joined the **Water Conservancy Board**. - Emergency Management’s credit card limit was raised from $10,000 to **$25,000** to facilitate fire recovery spending. - Klickitat County Public Health and Corrections reported that **Narcan is now stocked in county jails**, staff are trained to use it, and kits are being distributed countywide through opioid outreach programs. --- **🗓 Next Steps & Participation** 💻 Join future meetings on Zoom: [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/586587651](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/586587651?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) 📞 Dial-in: 1 (669) 900-6833 | Meeting ID: 586 587 651 📬 Submit written comments: [bocc@klickitatcounty.org](mailto:bocc@klickitatcounty.org) Comments are due by noon the day before a meeting to be acknowledged. --- **💬 Got a group chat eager for the hot local gossip?** Hit that forward button and spread the civic joy. Subscribe link: