> ## 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. # ๐ŸŒฒWater Upgrades, Youth in the Woods, and a High-Voltage Proposal - Skamania BOCC & PUD Updates for 8/5/25 - URL: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/water-upgrades-youth-in-the-woods-and-a-high-voltage-proposal-skamania-bocc-pud-updates-for-8-5-25/ - Published: 2025-08-08T20:26:45.000Z - Updated: 2025-08-08T20:26:45.000Z - Description: 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. - Author: Dispatch Squatch - Tags: Skamania County, Skamania County Board of Commissioners, Skamania Public Utilities Department, WSU Extension ### ๐Ÿ’ก Skamania PUD Commissioners Update โ€“ August 5, 2025 At Tuesdayโ€™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. ๐Ÿงฏ **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**. ๐Ÿก **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. ๐Ÿ’ฌ **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. ๐Ÿ“‰ **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. ๐Ÿ“… **Upcoming Events** Commissioners noted several upcoming engagements: - **PPC** โ€“ August 6โ€“7 - **Energy Northwest** โ€“ August 27โ€“29 ๐Ÿงพ **Voucher Totals** - **Electric**: $814,771.05 - **Carson Water**: $106,017.39 - **Underwood Water**: $15,267.95 --- ### ๐Ÿ› Skamania BOCC Recap โ€“ 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. #### ๐Ÿ“ Consent Agenda Actions - **School Safety Collaboration**: Commissioners approved an updated MOU between the Sheriffโ€™s Office and **Stevenson High School**, formalizing access to gym facilities for sheriffโ€™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 **2025โ€“2027 Consolidated Grant Program**, which funds operations and planning for **Skamania County Senior Servicesโ€™ transit** programs. - **WSDOT Certifications**: Annual updates to ensure Skamania remains eligible for Washington State transportation-related grant contracts were approved. #### ๐Ÿ’ต Financial Approvals - **Vouchers**: $312,147.19 in claims were approved. - **Payroll**: $748,928.75 was approved for the July 16โ€“31 pay period. #### ๐Ÿ“Š 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. #### ๐Ÿ•ต๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ Executive Session The meeting concluded with a closed-door **Executive Session** to discuss employee performance per RCW 42.30.110(1)(g). --- ### ๐Ÿ—“ Next Steps & Participation ๐Ÿ’ป Join future meetings on Zoom: [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88906321210](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88906321210?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) ๐Ÿ“ž Dial-in: 1 (346) 248-7799 | Meeting ID: 889 0632 1210 ๐Ÿ“ฌ Submit written comments: [commiss@co.skamania.wa.us](mailto:commiss@co.skamania.wa.us) Comments are due by **noon the day before** a meeting to be acknowledged.