HomeMy WebLinkAboutCWU Geothermal Support Apr 7 2026
Kittitas County Courthouse · 205 West 5th Avenue, STE 108 · Ellensburg, WA 98926
(509) 962-7508 ·FAX (509) 962-7679
Kittitas County, Washington BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS District One Cory Wright District Two Laura Osiadacz District Three Brett Wachsmith
April 7, 2026
Mr. Delano Palmer
Director of Capital Planning & Projects
Central Washington University
400 East University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926
Dear Mr. Palmer,
On behalf of Kittitas County, we wish to express our enthusiastic support for Central Washington
University’s (CWU) collaboration with the City of Ellensburg (City) and Kittitas Public Utility
District in pursuit of the Department of Energy’s Notice of Funding Opportunity for Geothermal
Resource Exploration, Characterization, and Confirmation (DE-FOA-0003472). This collaboration
matches Kittitas County’s pursuit for long-term rural resiliency, workforce development, and
economic growth in the energy sector.
CWU has shared their plans for continuing geothermal expansion on its campus for building heating
and cooling, with aspirations of pursuing electrical power generation via geothermal means.
Addressing the geological knowledge gap of natural resources below the unknown depth and
thickness of Columbia River Basalt in our region is a critical need for resource characterization and
analysis of energy potential. This project aligns with both the City’s and Kittitas County’s
Comprehensive Plan objectives towards resiliency and economic growth.
Kittitas County has a longstanding relationship with CWU as major source of employment and
producing new graduates contributing to the local workforce and economy. We are proud of our
aligned efforts with CWU in advancing these goals, and the proposed geothermal resource
exploration, characterization, and confirmation is large step towards fulfilling them.
Thank you for your efforts on this important project.
Sincerely,
Cory Wright Brett Wachsmith Laura Osiadacz
Chairman Vice Chair Commissioner