By Dispatch Squatch in Skamania County — 08 Aug 2025

🌲Water Upgrades, Youth in the Woods, and a High-Voltage Proposal - Skamania BOCC & PUD Updates for 8/5/25

School safety, clean energy, and forest stewardship topped Aug. 5 agendas. County commissioners advanced grants and heard about a new transmission project, while PUD approved water upgrades and explored funding affordable housing.

💡 Skamania PUD Commissioners Update – August 5, 2025

At Tuesday’s meeting, the Skamania County PUD Board reviewed progress on water system upgrades, approved key budget transfers, and received a briefing on a new opportunity to support affordable housing infrastructure.

🧯 Carson Water System Improvements
The board approved Resolution 2874, authorizing the transfer of $255,472.78 from the Carson Water Construction Fund to reimburse general fund costs for engineering work on the Carson Water Treatment Plant. Major invoices were from Stantec Consulting, Grayling Engineers, and AKS Engineering.

🏡 Affordable Housing Infrastructure Funding
Liz Wilber from Columbia Cascade Housing presented on a new opportunity for public utilities to support affordable housing through CHIP grants from the Washington Department of Commerce. These grants can fund water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure necessary for new affordable housing. PUDs like Skamania may coordinate with developers to waive fees and apply for up to $1 million per project.

💬 Public Comment
A written customer email was read during the public comment period, expressing some confusion about the base rates despite water not being accessible at their property. The PUD plans to follow up.

📉 Finance and Project Reports

The Finance Manager reported $7,396.19 in bad debt.
The Project Manager reported on the Carson Fire Hydrant Study, and noted ongoing discussion with a landowner about potential property acquisition for the Carson Water System (the offer was declined).
The General Manager shared updates on June outages and vegetation management conversations with customers.

📅 Upcoming Events
Commissioners noted several upcoming engagements:

PPC – August 6–7
Energy Northwest – August 27–29

🧾 Voucher Totals

Electric: $814,771.05
Carson Water: $106,017.39
Underwood Water: $15,267.95

🏛 Skamania BOCC Recap – August 5, 2025

Commissioners met Tuesday to advance school safety coordination, approve grant-funded public services, and hear about a major new power transmission project that could cross the Columbia Gorge.

School Safety Collaboration: Commissioners approved an updated MOU between the Sheriff’s Office and Stevenson High School, formalizing access to gym facilities for sheriff’s deputies. Funded through a Criminal Justice Training Commission grant, this partnership supports law enforcement wellness and student-athlete access to upgraded fitness equipment. A liability waiver was added at the request of legal counsel.
Senior Services Transit Grant: The Board approved participation in the 2025–2027 Consolidated Grant Program, which funds operations and planning for Skamania County Senior Services’ transit programs.
WSDOT Certifications: Annual updates to ensure Skamania remains eligible for Washington State transportation-related grant contracts were approved.

💵 Financial Approvals

Vouchers: $312,147.19 in claims were approved.
Payroll: $748,928.75 was approved for the July 16–31 pay period.

📊 Reports & Presentations

WSU Extension Report: The department presented on its current community education, agriculture, and youth program efforts like the Skamania's Forest Youth Success Program. (Watch your inbox for an upcoming highlight on this lesser known but much beloved forestry training program.)
Cascade Renewable Transmission Project Workshop: Commissioners received an early briefing on a proposed high-voltage transmission line that could cross Skamania County as part of a regional renewable energy corridor. No public materials or route details were provided, suggesting this was a preliminary discussion.

🕵️‍♂️ Executive Session

The meeting concluded with a closed-door Executive Session to discuss employee performance per RCW 42.30.110(1)(g).

🗓 Next Steps & Participation

💻 Join future meetings on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88906321210
📞 Dial-in: 1 (346) 248-7799 | Meeting ID: 889 0632 1210
📬 Submit written comments: commiss@co.skamania.wa.us
Comments are due by noon the day before a meeting to be acknowledged.