PUD awaits SR 409 project permit

Wahkiakum PUD Auditor Erin Wilson reported to the board of commissioners Tuesday that Mike Johnson, engineer for Gray & Osborne has still not received the permits for the SR 409 wetlands project, but he hopes they will come soon.

The paperwork for the grant has been approved, however. Wilson requested a draw down of funds in the amount of $58,000 to pay for the PUD’s portion of the engineering.

Shannon Greene, account executive for Bonneville Power Administration, has dropped off a replica three story energy efficient house for display in the PUD office lobby. The house, encased in a clear plastic box, shows consumers the different ways they can make the most of their energy costs. The public is encouraged to drop by and take a look.

PUD Attorney Tim Hanigan said the PUD is in the process of purchasing some additional land for the Cathlamet substation in the amount of $125,000. “Which then allows us to have the duplicity of two service distribution systems,” Commissioner Larry Reese added.

Having just returned from a European vacation, Reese told the board about the energy savings tactics used in other countries. In southern Germany, he said as he traveled by boat he noticed solar panels on the south sides of the buildings. While every roof wasn’t covered with them, every residential unit had a percentage of solar units.

In hotels, there were motion detectors in the hallways. “You come out of your room and it’s dark,” he said. “You leave your room door ajar until you can step out, and the light goes out by the time you reach the elevator.”

Commissioner Bob Jungers commented it sounded like the Washington Public Utility District Association (WPUDA) building in Olympia.

“It’s a different world,” Reese said.

The next PUD meeting is June 16 at 8:30 a.m.