[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6573819,"mediaKeyId","3151434-9ff18b118c151291d43f990b5acda293","parentId",3151434,"title","Residents voice opposition to proposed lithium battery storage sites; commissioners note limited local authority","audioSeconds",444,"startMs",5604000,"endMs",6048000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151434-9ff18b118c151291d43f990b5acda293&start=5604&end=6048","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151434-9ff18b118c151291d43f990b5acda293/thumbnail_5604000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6573819/Skagit-County/Washington/Residents-voice-opposition-to-proposed-lithium-battery-storage-sites-commissioners-note-limited-local-authority","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573819-63e0e35b0a2e2ed55980b8fc9266aae3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032624&Signature=N~vm9VULAS5-NCCis6mXP-KSJkDHWUoUR9uwnKEghKBLFkxvBXjWXYjfGkEsxocmd4sofpoUdEitAfmMt4Azwq801zVDUeeTFcSgG2sYvw8JD8ng10vWNrSIUJY5eqkr6vJqXt1L4qhWnLsYwxiE7XdE1epeSjxtlLE6aCr4Ht-rUZ-liDVDTK3Ri2vaHJuDNxv-FXlUkjKsphSgkTSA2pswRBFSn14TUtTw7ZlL7SE7lH3DLzT40Onq4K2wKeboj1AXq34ZuRXkgaSYAatDpGULPQXQIilEqM~dhdaJqdoQ6tI7uPuq0npUBfHeBG69EwQmiL1~5~q-LqF7CJ4L2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Skagit County","date","2025-04-29T00:00:00Z","article","At the Skagit County Board of Commissioners’ weekly public comment period on April 29, residents urged the board to oppose large lithium battery energy storage proposals planned near homes, farms and environmentally sensitive areas, and raised separate concerns about the timing and access for curbside recycling in Lake Cavanaugh.

Several speakers said they learned late or not at all about proposed battery storage sites and raised safety and environmental concerns. Ingrid Hinton, a Mount Vernon resident, described walking the area around a proposed site and said mobile‑home residents and others were unaware of plans. Business owner Nancy Lee of Sedro‑Woolley said local leaders and businesses “have 0 local support” for the project and called the proposal “greenwashing” because of perceived risks to fisheries, agriculture and neighborhoods. Jim Lee, a Cedar‑Woolley business owner, said the proposals were being advanced in ways that felt secretive to residents.

A commissioner on the record said the board has repeatedly opposed the BEST (battery energy storage) project, objecting to locating the facility on agricultural (Ag NRL) land and to plans that could bore under Hansen Creek — a salmon restoration area with prior public investment. The commissioner said the board changed county code to prevent future projects from using the same approach, but noted that the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) and the governor’s review process may govern siting decisions for this project and that those state decisions do not return to the county for appeal. The commissioner said the board’s prior opposition has been formally recorded and that the county’s authority is limited in the current state process.

Separately, Laurita Humble of Lake Cavanaugh urged the county to extend recycling outreach and confirmed the restoration of North Shore Road will allow trucks to circle the lake and improve curbside service once the program rolls out. Humble said some residents did not receive a survey for the curbside recycling pilot and asked that the county ensure surveys reach residents on Lake Kavanaugh Road.

Commissioners thanked citizens for raising concerns, reiterated they have formally opposed the BEST project in prior actions, and noted the state permitting process controls some outcomes. No formal action on the battery project or recycling rollout was taken during the public comment period covered by the transcript.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Skagit County - Record of the Proceedings - Tuesday Session - Apr 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During the April 29 public comment period, multiple residents opposed proposed lithium battery storage projects near homes, farms and schools. A commissioner reiterated the board's prior opposition but noted the state siting process (EFSEC) limits the county's ability to block projects on certain lands.","taxTitle","Skagit County, Washington","taxId",5125,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6573824,"Skagit Conservation District, students honored as county proclaims Soil and Water Stewardship Week",909,4158000,5067000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151434-9ff18b118c151291d43f990b5acda293&start=4158&end=5067","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151434-9ff18b118c151291d43f990b5acda293/thumbnail_4158000.jpg","/articles/6573824/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-Conservation-District-students-honored-as-county-proclaims-Soil-and-Water-Stewardship-Week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573824-e075c74b27f0761031149b0f8f24c9c8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032623&Signature=ETl3TY0eWqbTdmTNlV7pyKzm2DWwrTmmVva7f2CV7lP6n3xWp0vttcNkfdME-M~AlbUeg~njcX0AQTPB1Oxc3lO2EUnYciSbypaJw7W85IbbxG9Ti9GE8VV21XtnmS3CnZm9izbqXYQV5H6rXnTdHeT98WWk2-qd6rQaMFFFCW5U91gBHX6vSX4P~gk6KNo3nmVGf69OEk0JKLBlggzQTLF5D~Eveowdg0qLw9dmGDRAzNH-EAuw-sVXtnIVnaRK55Da2rYawHPL0R~JypSnT~3vO6QNp5X5Pa6Q2ejsN-4mkvYJu8lrLgvcpKwpbaM9PDkh85Riv4oAJT6-TfGzfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Skagit County Board of Commissioners on April 29 proclaimed April 27–May 4, 2025, as Soil and Water Stewardship Week and heard from Skagit Conservation District staff and student poster contest winners.

Emmett Wilde, district manager, and Cindy Pierce, education and outreach lead, presented winners from the district’s annual poster contest. County officials presented awards to category winners including second‑third grade winner Harry Lejo Lohe (Island View), a ninth‑grade runner‑up Ziva Nyberg (Anacortes High School), and overall winner Aria Youngren (Mount Vernon High School). Winners received ribbons, birdhouses and art‑supply gift cards.

Pierce explained the contest theme, “Home Is Where the Habitat Is,” and described the district’s year‑round outreach and stewardship programming, which aims to connect students and community members to local habitats and natural resources.

Commissioners thanked students and teachers and noted the role of local conservation partnerships. A motion to adopt the proclamation was moved and seconded on the record; the board recorded the vote as \"Aye\" and the motion carried 3‑0.

The conservation district encouraged residents to visit SkagitCD.org for information about Firewise, habitat work, and community events and to participate in volunteer trail and stewardship days.","Skagit County proclaimed April 27–May 4 as Soil and Water Stewardship Week. The Conservation District presented student poster contest winners and discussed local stewardship programs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6573829,"Skagit County proclaims May as Wildfire Awareness Month; agencies urge preparedness",1337,2506000,3843000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151434-9ff18b118c151291d43f990b5acda293&start=2506&end=3843","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151434-9ff18b118c151291d43f990b5acda293/thumbnail_2506000.jpg","/articles/6573829/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-County-proclaims-May-as-Wildfire-Awareness-Month-agencies-urge-preparedness","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573829-c18c04cc2616a5c645fba4fc23079410/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032623&Signature=PJHHLmizDkip7l3l60lq0sorDw4lI5ZSTk~kawBzhLwJ8f-Ru9cgt-hcjarEFgDFL4BT2WZBNpxgrRQ3PpgD~4uukd8ldDLNLOK9yvtcz8Yy~OH6jSGik4k402g-phXti-cHt3Pvn5S5hQRwAYsmTcIchbZQqyhBGlq0lQewPDE6AoFWHSbqLIHR1YviGtAV8FOWBcTn79~D7nsZQuUez9Xwrh9Uxztq6Xz0gWqL0Nj4hF5PJfDPjW4qb~HQHTjC6V8Vf9mqMEWKDbKAVwSazu5YgvV1xcbzGVJXeV2TTNcc7DaVVuQTEYOw2KT3oXktOZuccRDUmK5~xs7Q4lrICg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Skagit County Board of Commissioners on April 29 voted 3‑0 to proclaim May 2025 as Wildfire Awareness Month and received comments from local wildfire resilience and emergency management officials urging residents to prepare and sign up for alerts.

Robert Walters, the community wildfire resilience specialist with the Skagit Conservation District, thanked commissioners for the proclamation and described outreach and assessment work the district provides to residents. Walters said the district’s efforts prompt homeowners to seek assessments and prepare defensible space.

Julie De Losada, chief of emergency management for Skagit County, emphasized that local fire districts — many staffed by volunteers — play a central role in early response and urged residents to sign up for county alerts and warnings. She warned that wildfire burn scars also increase flood risk because post‑fire slopes shed water and debris, which can worsen downstream flooding.

Other speakers included David Scrindy, fire chief for Fire District 14, and Kirk Cherbourg, community resilience coordinator for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, who described DNR staging of helicopters and resources and urged investments in prevention and fuel reduction. Commissioners noted cross‑jurisdictional impacts — including smoke from British Columbia and past regional fires — and encouraged residents to use Firewise guidance and other local resources.

On the record, the board moved and seconded to adopt the proclamation; the vote was recorded as \"Aye\" and the chair announced the motion carried 3‑0.

Officials urged residents to clear fuel near structures, maintain gutters and roofs, and use county alert systems to receive evacuation notices and preparedness guidance.","Skagit County commissioners proclaimed May 2025 as Wildfire Awareness Month and heard from conservation, emergency management and fire officials about local risks, preparedness programs and how wildfire can increase flood risk after burn scars.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6573835,"Skagit County commissioners move to close a public hearing early",103,47000,150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151434-9ff18b118c151291d43f990b5acda293&start=47&end=150","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151434-9ff18b118c151291d43f990b5acda293/thumbnail_47000.jpg","/articles/6573835/Skagit-County/Washington/Skagit-County-commissioners-move-to-close-a-public-hearing-early","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573835-e4c2a6d0a73deb75dea43d5af1f1a34b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032623&Signature=YQKTrq6GA4c8m7M~Eu46UWnS4yMXhOeWnhV94lde2lzpFVBZqDYVITzfezdiihaMBBvm~eeFQARNeeNbCb9w~cZl~jpCvtNOtKd1EVSsla6pJ15CO8CrVKgvAAjaL-7Gemsedxo9YZXZ3atk2D74Lce-JP9x958gGAKfh5zeBl8M4jU4EidCT~8tp8WdBARcQwwWe0PGstkjIpMRdfPQeL0usQ23dgXnnmh4WyBl9dTLc3jI5DCWhJJnNOBVaAcHs6tbPWhB4Xhfu5ggyoqBP4sl54zTSTXk5wq6uQoEfV44hAPeBBSlg2QM2RXjp3PI0tVtbyA4Rj-nRLv7rig~cA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Early in the April 29 meeting the board recorded a brief procedural action to close a public hearing before beginning the rest of the agenda. A commissioner moved to close the public hearing and another commissioner seconded the motion; county staff recorded that the motion was moved and seconded and the session continued.

The record in the meeting transcript shows the request to close public testimony and the procedural second, followed by the formal start of the televised business meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The transcript does not identify the subject matter of the public hearing in the portions provided; no further action on the hearing subject was recorded during the televised portion of the meeting.","At the start of the April 29 session the board moved and seconded to close a public hearing that preceded the televised business meeting; the motion was accepted and the meeting proceeded.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6573840,"WSDOT updates Skagit County on fish‑passage culverts, roundabouts and rockslide that may close SR‑11 for weeks",136,151000,287000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3151434-9ff18b118c151291d43f990b5acda293&start=151&end=287","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3151434-9ff18b118c151291d43f990b5acda293/thumbnail_151000.jpg","/articles/6573840/Skagit-County/Washington/WSDOT-updates-Skagit-County-on-fishpassage-culverts-roundabouts-and-rockslide-that-may-close-SR11-for-weeks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6573840-eef41b8cf630bddc0007517b27c298ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771032623&Signature=GHJ5aLbqwLRSfMa-S5zYzKcb7HtMfbXupppW0JReGCxRFkZJ6zxI~nxOn1G6jqXtalJ16QMXy3LTTEj30cBDQTGITZ-aZGVwcqwuGMJB8C7RpEYvJsACE~aQsmafVBmYxAAgScc484LPBdeAW0NCTVrLXlDBVnZtS1b6prnXMXc6HKoWp-b-D20DNEvUk-M-UwZ05K~rJrikIc1sHeLL-Cg-w4dixnyeauUVb3rClrCkL1I4zBaDypga4CqtYXw368dMy~xuRpyyjURCdL1XiDIqjLmq6G1fUYLuRDS2Hf7ixfSgjNCFXLm4o0xREBZ4YAeoVpBxzReeECoY7P9FwA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","State Department of Transportation officials briefed the Skagit County Board of Commissioners on April 29 about a slate of projects in the Mount Baker region including a major fish‑passage project at Friday Creek, three new roundabouts on State Route 20, culvert replacements on SR‑9 and SR‑20, and a rockslide that is likely to close SR‑11 for an extended period.

The WSDOT presentation, led by Chris Dimitio, assistant regional administrator for the Mount Baker area, described Friday Creek — near Interstate 5 at Exit 240 — as a large fish‑passage effort. Dimitio characterized the work as replacing roughly a dozen barriers with a smaller number of larger, more natural crossings and said the project is currently estimated at about $150,000,000. He said the work will include a new crossing beneath Lake Samish Road and may not require the Lake Samish Road closure until 2026.

Dimitio and Josh Shippey, WSDOT area traffic engineer for Mount Baker, also described safety and resiliency projects: three single‑lane roundabouts planned on SR‑20 between Burlington and Cedar‑Woolley (at Gardner, District Line and Collins Road), a roughly $10 million project scheduled for summer 2026; a Childs Creek realignment and a new bridge span on Highway 20 planned for design and construction in 2027; and multiple culvert replacements on SR‑9 (Nookachamps and Hansen creeks) and SR‑20 (Cole Creek) to improve fish passage. WSDOT said some culvert jobs will require brief full closures (about 20 days) or single‑lane bypasses during construction.

WSDOT said the Cole Creek replacement is already advertised and awarded and is expected to proceed in summer 2025 after the July 15 fish‑window. The agency also described a Campbell Lake Road roundabout funded by the Samish Nation that will be built over two years because of poor soils.

On traffic changes, Shippey said crews will install painted “peanut” islands at the Pulver Road intersection immediately, with striping crews ready in May, and that the agency will monitor results before installing raised features. He outlined a series of local speed‑limit changes and said a highway speed camera pilot (legislatively authorized) is collecting warnings southbound through June to produce data for future consideration.

Dimitio reported an estimated 5,000 cubic yards of rock fell on SR‑11 in a recent slide and that the slope is still moving. He said crews will need to scale and remove debris and likely install anchors, and that the closure could last “maybe up to a month, if not longer,” pending safe access and funding.

Commissioners raised questions about funding and maintenance tradeoffs. A commissioner asked whether culvert costs come from general transportation funds; Dimitio said the work is funded primarily from the state motor fuel tax and typical federal matching funds, and that fish‑passage dollars and a court injunction have concentrated funds and workload in the Puget Sound region. He and WSDOT staff said targeted fish‑passage work has reduced funding available for other maintenance needs statewide.

WSDOT staff said budgets for maintenance and preservation are tight, and that many of the fish‑passage structures are large enough that routine maintenance should be modest. They also said some planned projects extend into 2026–2028 depending on permitting, fish windows and available legislative dollars.

Commissioners and staff also discussed longer‑term concerns about gravel and blockages in streams near Highway 20, and the need to coordinate access and homeowner notifications when bridges or realignments alter local access. WSDOT said it is coordinating with county staff on final designs and access realignments.

For project-specific timing and traffic impacts, WSDOT provided these details: Cole Creek (SR‑20 east of Cedar‑Woolley) — construction summer 2025 after July 15 fish window with a single‑lane bypass for about 20 days; Friday Creek (I‑5 Exit 240) — major multi‑year project with some work in 2026; SR‑20 Burlington roundabouts — summer 2026; Nookachamps and Hansen Creek culvert work — planned for 2026 with 20‑day closures or single‑lane traffic; Campbell Lake Road roundabout — two‑year construction starting 2026 due to poor soils.

WSDOT said it will continue outreach and coordinate permitting and schedules with county staff.","State transportation officials told Skagit County commissioners on April 29 that a series of fish‑passage and safety projects are planned across the county, funded largely from highway funds and fish‑passage dollars, and that a recent rockslide on SR‑11 could force an extended closure while the slope is stabilized.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents voice opposition to proposed lithium battery storage sites; commissioners note limited local authority

Skagit Conservation District, students honored as county proclaims Soil and Water Stewardship Week

Skagit County proclaims May as Wildfire Awareness Month; agencies urge preparedness

Skagit County commissioners move to close a public hearing early

WSDOT updates Skagit County on fish‑passage culverts, roundabouts and rockslide that may close SR‑11 for weeks