Commissioners report on legislative testimony, water-storage permitting and local cleanup efforts

Commissioners used the March 24 work session to update one another on recent legislative testimony and local initiatives.

Commissioner McKinney said he testified on the Ahtanum/Ackerman Basin integrated plan and emphasized permitting delays as a chief obstacle to new water-storage projects. "Permitting is the largest barrier, for creating water storage," McKinney said, and he asked the state to consider expediting permitting the way it has for large solar and wind projects.

Commissioner Lindy reported on several bills she had engaged with at the Capitol. She said a bill tied to mental-health sales tax use for new construction (referred to in the meeting as "56 96") passed the Senate unanimously and had a favorable House hearing. She also described a heavily attended hearing on rent stabilization and said she submitted comments after many people signed in for and against proposals.

Commissioners discussed pending gun legislation. McKinney said he would testify again on a bill that would require training and certification for firearm purchases and noted concerns that the measure could create barriers for domestic-violence survivors who lack independent access to money or mobility.

Commissioner updates also covered local community work. Commissioner Curtis reported on a community fundraiser for Generating Hope (Noah's Ark in Wapato) and on the homeless coalition's executive committee, which recommended adding upper- and lower-valley city council representation to its executive committee. McKinney noted gap-to-gap community cleanup planning and a recent Greenway ride-along showing improved conditions.

Ending: Commissioners agreed to continue monitoring state bills and local projects; Commissioner McKinney will be out of the office for the following Monday and Tuesday and asked Commissioner Lindy to chair next week's meetings.