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Wasco County approves road‑use agreement template for DECH solar‑storage project; $655,000 maintenance bond required
Summary
The board approved a Road Use Agreement for the proposed Deschutes (DECH) solar and battery storage project contingent on the Energy Facilities Siting Council Site Certificate. The contract requires a $655,000 maintenance bond, specified hauling routes, record‑of‑condition surveys, third‑party inspection and limits on traffic delays.
Wasco County commissioners voted May 20 to approve a Road Use Agreement template that would govern heavy hauling and road impacts if the proposed Deschutes (DECH) solar and battery storage project proceeds. Approval was contingent on the project’s final EFSC Site Certificate.
Public Works Director Arthur Smith said the agreement is a standard procedural measure to protect county roads and infrastructure if the project receives state approval. Under terms presented to the board, DECH (BrightNight) must provide a $655,000 maintenance bond before hauling begins, arrange a Record of Condition (video and photographic survey) acceptable to the Roadmaster, and pay for a third‑party inspection if disputes over road damage arise. Designated hauling routes named in the draft include Reservation Road, Walters Road, Victor Road, Back Walters Road and East Wapinitia Road.
The agreement requires DECH to perform temporary repairs during construction and full restoration upon completion; if DECH fails to act the county may perform repairs and seek reimbursement. Traffic delays from construction will be capped at 15 minutes to the extent reasonably practicable; dust‑suppression and aggregate stabilization measures are also required. The bond remains in place for two years after final written acceptance of restored roads.
Smith characterized the staff recommendation as neutral on the project’s merits and emphasized the contract’s role in protecting county transportation assets. "This agreement follows our established template for such developments and provides the legal and financial safeguards necessary to protect the County's transportation network," his memo said.
The board’s action: Commissioners delegated authority to the Public Works Director to finalize logistical blanks in the agreement and approved the Road Use Agreement contingent on issuance of the state Site Certificate (motion moved by Commissioner Justesen, seconded by Chair Hege).
