County works on Bradwood LNG security contract

Wahkiakum County is nearing completion of negotiants with NorthernStar LLC for a contract to provide security for operation of the proposed Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant.

County officials discussed the status of negotiations Tuesday at the meeting of the board of county commissioners.

Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow said he and Sheriff Dan Bardsley had worked on the latest draft last Friday and still had work to do.

Bardsley, who has been on medical leave, noted that several versions of the contract have been circulating and he didn't realize he had the latest version.

He added he had one major question to take to the US Coast Guard before he could approve the pact.

Commissioner Dan Cothren said he had met with NorthernStar Chief Executive Officer Si Garrett last week and Garrett had given him a contract to sign. He added that Garrett wants the contract signed soon or he might approach Columbia County, Ore., to contract for security.

All parties decline to describe specifically what security measures are to be provided, but Bardsley said he would be able to hire 11 or 12 additional deputies who would work on land and the river to provide security for LNG tankers.

NorthernStar would also provide money for fire departments to upgrade emergency response equipment.

Cothren said those expenses would be repaid through funds the company has already committed to the community and which are distributed by the Wahkiakum Community Foundation.

The security contract funds would be separate and could total $3 million per year, he said.

Bardsley commented his goal in negotiating the security contract is that "not one penny will be paid by the county's taxpayers and there will be a benefit to the taxpayers of the county above and beyond what service I'm asked to provide.

"We need to make sure all our expenses are included in the contract," he added.

Commissioners agreed with that philosophy, and so did some Puget Island residents whose house are directly across the Columbia from the proposed plant site and who are opposing it.

"If it does come in, I want to be at the table to get as much as I can for the county," said Commissioner Lisa Marsyla.

Commissioners said they would have a public meeting to explain the arrangement before the contract would be signed.