Planning commission recommends abandoning short Shasta Way segment to clear path for Monte Shasta water co. project

The Siskiyou County Planning Commission voted unanimously at its February meeting to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve the abandonment of a short, unused segment of Shasta Way (RADash24-01), a move proponents say is necessary to advance a Monte Shasta Mutual Water Company solar project and to resolve local utility and septic siting issues.

The commission’s recommendation, adopted 5-0 by voice and roll call, also asked the board to determine the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act under CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3). The recommendation now goes to the Board of Supervisors for final action and for two additional findings staff said the board will need to address: prospective and current use of the parcel and whether bicycle or pedestrian use would be prohibited if the road is abandoned.

Proponents at the public hearing, several of whom identified themselves as current or former directors of the Monte Shasta Mutual Water Company, said the water company needs the parcel to…