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would like to schedule a ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off the <br />construction. The second project, funded through Washington State <br />Broadband Office, is going through contract development and will <br />expand broadband service to approximately 700 rural locations in <br />Kittitas County. The third project is also through the State <br />Broadband Office, which is administering the BEAD program, identified <br />seven projects in Kittitas County as eligible for the BEAD grant <br />funding. Two project areas received provisional awards. The remaining <br />five project areas are eligible for applications through BEAD Round <br />2. The BEAD program is federal funding and requires a match. The <br />State of Washington is providing match funding when a local agency <br />applies for the program. A high -cost threshold was established for <br />Round 2 and alternative technologies, such as wireless or low earth <br />orbit satellites, will be considered as options. Round 2 will require <br />a resolution and additional funding will be requested. The BoCC agree <br />that a ribbon cutting ceremony to kick off this project is important <br />and are pleased that Public Works is partnering with local private <br />company to accomplish the work. <br />SPRINGWOOD UPDATE <br />Arden provided an update on the role that Public Works has been <br />playing since the acquisition of a significant portion of Springwood <br />Ranch on October 31, 2024. Essentially, Public Works has been <br />providing both management and planning services. During this <br />transition period, continuity of operations is needed. Two specific <br />items need direction in this interim time. The first item is the <br />grant agreement with the state to help offset costs. Kittitas County <br />will hold the grant and enter Interlocal agreements with KRD, Yakama <br />Nation, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The <br />second item is regarding the possibility of leasing the two hay barn <br />structures that are not being utilized. These leases would end at the <br />same time as the current grazing leases, in order to move <br />unencumbered into 2027 and be able to enter into new lease <br />agreements. <br />Arden expects Public Works to be soliciting new agricultural uses in <br />a year. There are some key capital upgrades that are necessary to <br />irrigate portions of the property not currently irrigated. There are <br />three key irrigation and field improvements proposed that were not <br />included in the original operating budget. The upgrades will generate <br />additional income from the agricultural lease, but costs will not be <br />offset during the interim period. Staff recommend a phased approach <br />to the upgrades. The first phase would be the upgrade to the gated <br />pipe field and the repair of the pivot system for a cost of $26,000. <br />Improvements on the 125-acre field and the barn will be deferred at <br />this time. Vice -Chairman Cory Wright shared that deferred maintenance <br />can be a safety issue and that neighbors have shared concern. Cory <br />agrees that the improvements are needed and vital to support this <br />legacy resource. Chairman Laura Osiadacz requested that the <br />Springwood sign be removed. Staff was directed to determine if our <br />partners had any concerns with removing the sign, and if not, proceed <br />with sign removal. <br />04/14/25 MINUTES <br />