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County, PUD and Ecology continue talks on natural gas project; possible new agreement with PUD eyed
Summary
Cowlitz County staff met with the Department of Ecology and have been working with the PUD and the governor—s office to pursue a natural gas project. County officials said the PUD will bear most of the cost and the county may draw a new agreement with PUD for the next year to keep the effort moving.
Cowlitz County staff said discussions are ongoing with the Public Utility District and the Washington State Department of Ecology about a proposed natural gas project.
County staff said they held a meeting with Ecology and anticipated another short-notice meeting that could include representatives from the governor's office and the PUD. Staff described the county's role as limited compared with the PUD, which has invested the bulk of the time and money to date.
"The big thing is, PUD has to be happy. Right? Our part in it is is fairly small compared to what they're they're gonna be putting in," a county official said, recognizing the PUD's lead role. Staff reported that they and the PUD met with the same players about three weeks earlier and that both sides remain interested in pursuing the project. Because the county—s existing agreement has lapsed, staff said they are considering drafting a new agreement with the PUD for the next year to keep the work moving while they seek clarifications from Ecology.
Staff said they appreciate Ecology's engagement on the technical and permitting questions but that outcomes are uncertain. The county will report back after the short-notice meeting.
