NEWS

Transportation Commission meeting to focus on electrification of transportation system

(OLYMPIA)– The Washington State Transportation Commission will hear about a wide range of developments in transportation electrification at its Feb. 14-15 virtual meeting, including a presentation on a pilot program for an in-road, wireless inductive charging system, an update on electric vehicle charging infrastructure and work to reduce the freight sector’s carbon footprint, according to a news release from the Washington State Department of Transportation. The public is invited to attend the virtual meeting, which takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 14, and from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15, on Zoom. Those     (read more)

Northwest Forest Plan Federal Advisory Committee continues work with winter meeting

(PORTLAND, OR)- The third meeting of the Northwest Forest Plan Federal Advisory Committee (FAC) was held from Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 at the University of Oregon in Eugene. The meeting focused on public testimony, forest manager presentations, and a review of subcommittee findings and perspectives on the plan’s update. The Federal Advisory Committee is focused on providing input to improve the Northwest Forest Plan’s ability to reduce wildfire risk to communities and forested landscapes, conserve mature and old growth forests, support sustainable communities, incorporate more Indigenous knowledge in land management decisions, and address climate change impacts, according to a     (read more)

Skagit County seeks applicants for Agricultural Advisory Board

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- Skagit County is seeking applicants to fill two vacant seats for a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to serve in an advisory role in making recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding land use, planning, programs, and policy decisions relating to agriculture. The Commissioners seek to fill the positions with someone who lives, works, or serves customers in District 3. The current terms for the vacant positions end on December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2026. The Skagit County Agricultural Advisory Board makes recommendations on policy and planning issues related to agriculture and represents the diversity of the agricultural economy, various agricultural     (read more)

Skagit County rejects bids for construction of Guemes Island electric ferry

(SKAGIT COUNTY)- The Skagit Board of County Commissioners on January 22nd, voted to reject all submitted bids for construction of the Guemes Island electric ferry. The County Commissioners have rejected the bids because the estimated costs to complete construction of the ferry were higher than the available funds for the project, according to a news release from the county. After evaluating all phases of the project, including vessel construction, terminal modifications, and shoreside battery charging stations, Skagit County is approximately $13M short of the new estimated costs. Project estimates have increased due to higher costs for construction materials and     (read more)

Mount Vernon police chief hiring process

(MOUNT VERNON)– The City of Mount Vernon will soon re-open its search for the City’s next police chief. The decision to open the process again comes a day after learning that the candidate to whom the City offered the position withdrew his application to pursue an opportunity in another department, according to a news release from the city. This was the second candidate to withdraw from the process in the past two weeks; both pursuing higher paying positions in larger cities. “It’s disappointing when you search so diligently for the right fit, and then it doesn’t end     (read more)