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The temporary construction easement is needed because the project cannot be constructed within <br />the footprint of the EWC's existing right-of-way. The right-of-way acquisition is necessary to <br />ensure that the EWC retains its current ability to conduct operational spill at this location. EWC <br />currently has the ability to spill canal water into Whiskey Creek and must maintain this <br />capability. The operational spill will be achieved by placing two 48-inch spillway pipes upstream <br />of the siphon, which will transport water into Whiskey Creek. The 9,230-square-foot right-of- <br />way is needed to accommodate these spillway pipes. <br />The EWC has previously worked with the Kittitas County Conservation District to install a canal <br />siphon across Reecer Creek. Figure 4 provides a post -project example. <br />Negotiation Background <br />Kittitas County first notified Mr. Pearson in writing of its intent to proceed with the Whiskey <br />Creek at Ellensburg Water Company Siphon Project, including the need to acquire portions of his <br />property, on September 10, 2024, offering $14,403. On November 25, 2024, the County revised <br />this offer in writing to $18,344. <br />Kittitas County received a written response to these offers dated December 31, 2024. This <br />correspondence raised concerns unrelated to the fair market value of the land required for the <br />project (such as desired revisions to wetland and floodplain mapping) and were consistent with <br />verbal communication we've had over the course of the negotiation period. <br />The County hired a private appraiser on June 23, 2024. On September 26, 2025, the County <br />received the property appraisal report and shared it with Mr. Pearson via email the same day. The <br />appraisal identified a fair market value of $16,200. On September 29, 2025, Kittitas County <br />formally notified Mr. Pearson in writing of the appraised fair market value, provided a hard copy <br />of the appraisal, and reaffirmed the acquisition offer of $18,344. <br />Copies of the letters provided to Mr. Pearson are attached to this document. <br />