[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6579428,"mediaKeyId","3085817-756106bd7b72099437de0e77ae726daf","parentId",3085817,"title","Residents urge pause on battery energy storage projects; commissioners note pending appeals","audioSeconds",587,"startMs",8664000,"endMs",9251000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085817-756106bd7b72099437de0e77ae726daf&start=8664&end=9251","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085817-756106bd7b72099437de0e77ae726daf/thumbnail_8664000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6579428/Skagit-County/Washington/Residents-urge-pause-on-battery-energy-storage-projects-commissioners-note-pending-appeals","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579428-d5d702b3d58b60ea6425523c6311d4f4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771028473&Signature=jIhcyberqJmSS0m69DpdaVTMPEnz41XfvaZCNxJybeKKJR-5hsGcUs9EdHj4wxyZQ1WwMtyGnFXOEc1Msdk5H6HwVSuF25JLj1YCcCqZuXN~yGdS93B2lGvMX-ztICHhqsTVfO0-14g7EGrNbnH6UxjyyI0wSvL0csPuWmtVezcrXUrrGUUvI~NkSyElPmSNF4BQBx3pO8g3Z6nBNlvxQs6G7K~lnB96Gft8JVJlusz9Pq8x0phCvfMcSZpHiAJKB3fJYmsiZ2zXnr-JrNIBvEUojMmGO8tq17WbBaozi7zz7B7jpwDH2lM~EOkWAC9QgbSMrNX-nZZQR7Qqe-Xbew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Skagit County","date","2025-04-22T00:00:00Z","article","Multiple residents used the public‑comment period Tuesday to urge county officials to halt or more tightly regulate proposed battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in Skagit County, citing fires at other U.S. facilities, potential toxic releases and short project lifespans.

Speakers and claims: Amanda Toscano asked commissioners to review recent California legislation that would pause new BESS construction to address thermal‑runaway fire risks, saying Washington should “stop this before it gets started.” Ingrid Hinton, speaking for a local advocacy group called Stewards of Skagit, described concerns about toxic metals and microplastics released in BESS fires and said cooling and maintenance needs expose facilities to moisture‑related deterioration.

County status and process notes: Commissioners responded that an appeal is already pending for a proposed Mount Vernon‑area site on Novanel Road; because that matter may return to the board, commissioners said they were constrained from discussing substantive details for the project at Tuesday’s meeting. The board did not take regulatory action on BESS projects during the session.

What speakers requested: Commenters asked the county to consider moratoria or temporary pauses, adopt stronger siting and environmental‑health review standards, and evaluate long‑term risks to farmland, wildlife and public health.

What the county can and cannot do now: County staff and commissioners noted legal limits on discussing pending appeals and said the county’s review process will follow applicable land‑use, environmental and public‑safety regulations. Commissioners asked staff to provide updates consistent with legal constraints and to report back when appeals or permit decisions are ripe for public discussion.

No immediate policy change: The meeting record shows public concern and a request for more active county policy consideration; the commission took no immediate action to impose a pause or new standards during the session.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Skagit County - Record of the Proceedings - Tuesday Session - Apr 22, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Several community members urged Skagit County to pause approvals for lithium‑ion battery energy storage projects, citing thermal‑runaway fires and toxic‑release concerns; the county indicated one site is under appeal and staff are limited in public comment on ongoing appeals.","taxTitle","Skagit County, Washington","taxId",5125,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6579432,"Commissioners proclaim May 1, 2025 as National Day of Prayer in Skagit County",491,3045000,3536000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085817-756106bd7b72099437de0e77ae726daf&start=3045&end=3536","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085817-756106bd7b72099437de0e77ae726daf/thumbnail_3045000.jpg","/articles/6579432/Skagit-County/Washington/Commissioners-proclaim-May-1-2025-as-National-Day-of-Prayer-in-Skagit-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579432-f5016eae5c021f5b72f2422b04db5502/orig.mp4?Expires=1771028473&Signature=G2zXBU~o9W0yCIioinPm0wxwpplhegvMEoWksawkRhA3~A~rQL70vvPpthfAWNLLH0CRSavNHXV4AIP6XeXSEJ7mLr~-Q~m1WxqRc8N3cxOqkQr2Z8oR0h78u-U-bOSgZa6IEV6mrz30yx4JaD8yd~Tym9ltJyZ0AcMmkzpdW3R0uZePvZ-uKGRI75-7CvdJ-6CP-9zdiF7AwlJJiVGaU3noA1ezkuRWF8sb0SvWz2Q1kBr2DCEPiZlIVXvolJYJIoSkCpR6pDTXgaj16l2bz8OKMjvc5hybzAM7CnEPlee-8PazZKosFxdRqEPTecXsCBlD77M8Ao~pczUASWOtew__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Skagit County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously adopted a proclamation recognizing Thursday, May 1, 2025 as National Day of Prayer in Skagit County.

The proclamation was introduced after local organizers, led by David Helverson and his family, requested the board’s formal acknowledgement and described the observance as a community, faith‑based, unifying event. Helverson said the gathering would “lift up in prayer the various spheres of our society” and invited the public to a peaceful gathering on the courthouse steps at noon.

Commissioners discussed tone and inclusivity before the vote. Commissioner Browning said she supports keeping the event “very positive” and urged speakers to be careful not to single out individual public‑service employees when discussing institutions such as schools or hospitals. The board read the proclamation aloud, moved and seconded adoption, and recorded a 3–0 vote in favor.

The proclamation text recited the national history of prayer proclamations dating to the Revolutionary era and referenced the congressional and presidential origins of the observance. The motion to adopt the proclamation carried 3–0; no funding or county resources beyond the customary ceremonial recognition were attached to the action.","The Skagit County Board of Commissioners voted 3-0 to proclaim May 1, 2025 as the National Day of Prayer following a brief presentation by local organizers; commissioners and presenters emphasized a nonpartisan, unifying intent for the observance.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6579436,"Skagit Tourism Bureau reports modest revenue gains, launches sports commission and new website",568,436000,1004000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085817-756106bd7b72099437de0e77ae726daf&start=436&end=1004","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085817-756106bd7b72099437de0e77ae726daf/thumbnail_436000.jpg","/articles/6579436/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-Tourism-Bureau-reports-modest-revenue-gains-launches-sports-commission-and-new-website","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579436-f019663ac9493cf2c6d5db3d9409fc08/orig.mp4?Expires=1771028473&Signature=U5btb3TacEP4rvXUdlisWk64dMyG-mqO1l0m09VCTT89B4Ru11TFMJqQjgz7QNqUlrcYhOdExl4P~GXxdwIpzJepvAp3rJDWKUQ~LPW5ez7sgw7Tp~ccCKqkzSNRQ-CDoLd38UrmqYxAWfvr7DMMpaZ7s0q7-QF6xlC5diKkmIHVUOeyrm4VrfA0RIUe-Dh4Rq5O-35aXxbjX1gTx1fV-lGj2~wNWkMJbZGzv4HwLDCl5Rs54W2B~DtfIIgCB8z8LgPtKWCTITRxPMpd-MvSyErTycGLItdEinwABCdSoTjUlxNbVCSuQI7t02dNRGHXvr4RDk1IeO9kSSo4rsIfAQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Skagit Tourism Bureau briefed the Skagit County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday about 2024 results, 2025 initiatives and new partnerships aimed at expanding year‑round visitation and supporting local businesses.

Key findings and metrics: Kristen Geltz, executive director, said 2023 visitor‑economy data showed tourism supports about 3,000 jobs in the county and the sector’s sales totaled about $370 million. She said 2024 regional figures would be released in early May and previewed lodging performance for 2025: revenue rose from roughly $46 million in 2023 to about $48 million in 2024 while occupancy edged down owing to approximately 2,000 new rooms entering the market. The bureau reported an 8.9% increase in average daily rate and a 5.5% gain in RevPAR (revenue per available room).

Marketing and digital strategy: The bureau said it produced roughly 13.8 million digital impressions, sent about 450,000 emails and saw roughly 33,000 monthly visitors to a newly relaunched website. Geltz said digital advertising delivered a reported 66:1 return on ad spend and the bureau used a mix of programmatic, paid search and cooperative state advertising; the bureau reported tracking about $3.6 million in visitor spending attributable to its campaigns, noting that figure represents a conservative estimate covering roughly 60% of tracked visitors.

Sports commission and events: The bureau formalized a sports commission in January and hired a sports development manager to pursue tournament business. The bureau said it expects two weekends of a USA Ultimate (ultimate Frisbee) event in May with approximately 2,500 people for a D3 weekend and about 5,000 for the D1 weekend; other bids and familiarization tours for national tournaments are underway.

Grants, data and partnerships: The presentation listed recent grants: $25,000 for 2025 video content, $20,000 to produce a sports economic impact report and awards from the Port of Seattle tourism spotlight program for advertising at SeaTac. The bureau said it switched data vendors to Datify for geofencing and hotel benchmarking and plans quarterly deep‑dive data meetings funded in part by a state tourism grant.

County reaction: Commissioners praised the bureau’s work to professionalize marketing and cited the value of tourism revenue to restaurants and small businesses. Geltz noted the bureau is aware of community concerns over visitor impacts during peak events and said the bureau’s mission emphasizes responsible tourism and spreading visitation year‑round.

Practical notes: The website includes a partner portal where hotels, restaurants and attractions can update listings and upload events with no base fee; the bureau said hotels that contribute to the Tourism Promotion Area will be prioritized in display listings. Commission staff said the bureau will continue to pursue state and Port of Seattle co‑op opportunities to fund marketing.","Skagit Tourism Bureau told county commissioners its 2024 economic data show increased visitor spending and room nights despite a small decline in occupancy; the bureau previewed a newly launched website, a sports commission, and several state grants supporting data and marketing.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6579441,"Commissioners back ParksRx ‘OutdoorsRx’ program to expand outdoor health and education",1686,3634000,5320000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085817-756106bd7b72099437de0e77ae726daf&start=3634&end=5320","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085817-756106bd7b72099437de0e77ae726daf/thumbnail_3634000.jpg","/articles/6579441/Skagit-County/Washington/Commissioners-back-ParksRx-OutdoorsRx-program-to-expand-outdoor-health-and-education","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579441-ac23edc585e6682dc287508fd8f4bb2a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771028473&Signature=EKohRgh9jpquOPwCUBzoKh4DNwLDuTKqTIXSaPVHnWfVg8UZ8Sus5jinZNrbMo65Z0oyZd9JVBPkElrT6P-gKyvHqWOsaPWbUU44mbiuzEFEH5-SH3aiaIKv9DdC~nJbxjHvZx6R4A0FFQV3Ni-wVKC~o7x0zr6CpYriC6bQmHVtTtKOdAIvTFRvhmWOb8fRRbEISQY6jYq0rryo~bmyb7JQR6G3AugtzNsdCJFnYYBfDckEGCZEW-3KJbIhk9zy3hJc-NpOCu9WwtlQ4bVTSirqtjP-gGo46uw~DyEYsc5m3PruBQOGqG9QGyapCG4qIR5Z-OsFp1bV4icPTGqxjQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Skagit County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a proclamation supporting the creation and implementation of a ParksRx program (branded in presentations as OutdoorsRx or “Veil to Wellness”). The vote, 3–0, endorses a county effort to coordinate partners that will prescribe and promote outdoor activities for health and educational benefits.

Why it matters: County parks staff, public-health partners and nonprofit leaders said ParksRx will leverage existing programs to reduce anxiety, improve physical health and build environmental stewardship by making outdoor experiences more accessible. Brian Adams, director of Skagit County Parks and Recreation, told the board the initiative is part of the county’s strategic plan and will rely on a steering committee of public and nonprofit partners.

Program details: United General Hospital District 304 — which already runs a “Skagit NatureRx” walk program and a summer “Trek for Treasures” initiative — described in the meeting how hospital and public‑health resources can support free or low‑cost outdoor activities, transportation, and programming. The county’s plan includes outdoor classrooms, youth field trips and a ParkScription/ParksRx model that health providers and community organizations can use to connect residents to trails, parks and habitat areas.

Partners and funding: Presenters identified multiple partners already engaged: United General Hospital District 304, Skagit Land Trust, Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group, 4‑H/FFA, Anacortes Community Forest Lands and community nonprofits such as Vamos Outdoors Project. Commissioners directed staff to convene an advisory/steering committee beginning in June and to pursue available grants such as the Recreation and Conservation Office’s No Child Left Inside program.

Commission action: The commissioners read and signed a proclamation “supporting the creation and implementation of the ParksRx program” and voted 3–0 to adopt it. Presenters described the action as a county‑level endorsement that will support future grant applications and collaborative programming rather than a line‑item appropriation.

Public comments and follow‑up: Hospital district representatives said they will continue to run nature prescription walks and youth programs while the county and partners form the steering committee. Staff listed immediate next steps including committee formation, outreach to school districts and a schedule for reporting back to the board.","Skagit County commissioners unanimously approved a proclamation supporting a ParksRx program that aims to connect residents — especially youth and marginalised groups — to outdoor activities through partnerships with the hospital district, land trusts and nonprofit providers.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6579445,"Skagit County approves option to purchase Haller Farm to enable coordinated habitat and farmland plan",5122,3380000,8502000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3085817-756106bd7b72099437de0e77ae726daf&start=3380&end=8502","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3085817-756106bd7b72099437de0e77ae726daf/thumbnail_3380000.jpg","/articles/6579445/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-County-approves-option-to-purchase-Haller-Farm-to-enable-coordinated-habitat-and-farmland-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6579445-b69a0f689bae1b7d635b3af0ea38ac9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771028473&Signature=kGl9GdS5yZtxvuAn825B19O1XFClinS-g-0TppykvLQYmLUzeuR-sEN2vfBO3GjZE0EXZkV1bRxzKIV8HPYwnil2hlM9RTgEZK9ksVfIUxdPi~YrhnrEZi0gdIos5IbAE~~F2opFFEzJRDlTvxtrZhJv9y5z3H2MUncKbT-mWu2YMhRPZY9GFJojv7XJJRiGBS8~khG0qoMVdygEyu9kETSN5Nt1QsBkdctUoiWx~NizxlELne6XDlfMU33GqaMOs87mqzSbxXQJZTCz0uIm7B1Wdxo1X~7yLUa5355ESxwE-8qq7WISLOWfRXVX49ywNw67rNtEQlvlyvFi~EgqbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Skagit County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to approve an option agreement giving the county the exclusive right for 2½ years to purchase the Haller Farm, a roughly 540–544 acre family property on the North Fork of the Skagit River.

The option secures time for due diligence, a market appraisal and partner fundraising while carving out a maximum habitat footprint of about 110 acres for Chinook habitat restoration and preserving the remainder through a farmland-legacy easement. The board approved the agreement 3-0.

Why it matters: County staff and local drainage districts described the purchase-rights agreement as a mechanism to break long-running gridlock over how to reconcile farm operations, failing drainage infrastructure and tribal habitat priorities on the Skagit–Samish delta. Will Hoehne, who presented the proposal, said the option “provides a 2 and a half year period” for appraisal and funding and that the county committed to covering the first two option payments as a way to “incentivize everyone to work together in good faith.”

Supporters including the Drainage and Irrigation District Consortium and several dyking districts urged the county to move forward so agencies, tribes and local districts can jointly plan infrastructure replacement and habitat design. Jennifer Freebelle of the Drainage Consortium told commissioners the option “is a first step towards Skagit tribal and local governments working collaboratively over the long term to sustain and protect the Skagit–Samish delta.” Several drainage-district leaders and farming advocates said they view the measure as an opportunity to protect both farms and fisheries.

Opposition and concerns: Some attendees questioned whether the county should enter the real-estate option business at all. Cedar Woolley resident Cody Hart said he opposed county involvement, arguing private owners and markets should resolve farmland transfers without county intervention. Commissioners acknowledged that county participation is unusual but said local government leadership was necessary to coordinate a multi-benefit outcome.

Terms and next steps: The purchase price listed by the family was $12,500,000. Hoehne said that, on a per-acre basis, the price “breaks down to just over $21,000 an acre” when including uplands and built improvements, and he noted a formal fair‑market appraisal will be required. The option agreement includes three exhibits: a legal description; a purchase-and-sale agreement that would control closing terms if the option is exercised; and the maximum habitat footprint for restoration work. The county’s approval covers only the option payments; county leaders said full acquisition funding would come from partners, grants and conservation buyers.

Commission action: The Board of County Commissioners approved the option agreement by roll-call vote, 3–0. Commissioners discussed the project’s multi‑benefit goals — protecting farmland, repairing aging drainage infrastructure and advancing Chinook recovery — before voting.

What remains unresolved: The exact acreage that will be restored as habitat will be finalized during project planning, and some adjacent landowners within the broader Sullivan Hacienda footprint have not yet agreed to any sale or project terms. The proposal anticipates that Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and treaty tribes could take title to parts of the project area at closing and that a multi‑party project committee would lead permitting and design.","County commissioners voted 3-0 to approve a 2½-year option agreement that secures the right to buy the roughly 544-acre Haller Farm, allowing time for appraisal, financing and coordinated design of habitat restoration and farmland protections with tribes, drainage districts and other partners.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents urge pause on battery energy storage projects; commissioners note pending appeals

Commissioners proclaim May 1, 2025 as National Day of Prayer in Skagit County

Skagit Tourism Bureau reports modest revenue gains, launches sports commission and new website

Commissioners back ParksRx ‘OutdoorsRx’ program to expand outdoor health and education

Skagit County approves option to purchase Haller Farm to enable coordinated habitat and farmland plan