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this with the capacity we have or are we going to anticipate the <br /> need for more capacity. He stated it took ten years to get the <br /> last high transmission line across the county permitted. CDS <br /> DIRECTOR BALA stated that as part of this process, we already <br /> have a stakeholder list and some of those contacts are Kittitas <br /> County PUD and PSE . Staff will be reaching out to those groups <br /> and BPA in regard to the capacity. <br /> ZOEY TAPERT continued sharing the project goals . She stated this <br /> project is focusing on where these energies may be appropriate, <br /> and how to create a streamlined process for it on the local <br /> level . <br /> COMMISSIONER TAYLOR asked what the primary funding source is for <br /> this grant . ZOEY TAPERT stated it is through the state of <br /> Washington, they have a clean energy siting and permitting grant <br /> project through the energy program and communities . <br /> The project charter and engagement plan was presented and <br /> discussed. COMMISSIONER HINKLE shared that when you talk about <br /> determining what strategies we used and why, that wind and solar <br /> commercial farms have a huge footprint . Can we compare the large <br /> commercial farms to a residential distribution where we meet the <br /> need for more capacity but don' t have to build more transmission <br /> lines? He stated that we should look at what the cost benefit <br /> analysis is for a residential distribution strategy versus a <br /> strategy of building more farms . CHAIR COE shared the more <br /> localized you can have your energy production, the less problems <br /> there will be . COMMISSIONER TAYLOR asked what kind of growth <br /> tables are being allocated and used for this project . Are we <br /> looking at 5 to 10 years down the road for population growth and <br /> community overall expansion needs? ZOEY TAPERT stated that as <br /> part of the environmental elements that are being studied, <br /> growth factors were not one of the ones that was currently <br /> selected because the focus has been on the energy uses and their <br /> environmental impacts . CLAY WHITE shared that where the County <br /> doesn' t permit uses does not mean that they won' t get permitted, <br /> it just means that they have to go to the state to get <br /> permitted. Part of this project is to keep local controls over <br /> permitting processes so that staff can evaluate and make the <br /> decisions . <br /> The project kicked off in February and is set to complete June <br /> 2027 . The phases of the project was presented. Currently staff <br /> is launching the community engagement piece, comment period is <br /> open, they are beginning to do outreach to agencies, tribes and <br /> community groups, and beginning the EIS outline . <br /> 2026-4-14 MINUTES 3 <br />