HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of Support re: Mason PUD USDA Grant Application - 100223 o� CoN c c°o s,0 Board of County Commissioners
49 �`kw � 1820 Jefferson Street
-Tv W PO Box 1220
Port Townsend, WA 98368
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q Kate Dean,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3 NG'S
October 2, 2023
United States Department of Agriculture/US Forest Service
Attention: Mr. Brad Simpkins, Grantor
201 14th Street, Southwest
Washington, DC 20024
RE: Funding Opportunity Number USDA-FS-2023-CWDG-CWSF/Mason PUD 1
Dear Mr. Simpkins,
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners has been advised by Mason County PUD No. 1 of their proposed
comprehensive vegetation management(VM)project to clear vegetation fuels within their easement land. We see
this as the most timely and critical means to best mitigate future wildfire risk within the heavily forested lands of
south Jefferson County, where Mason PUD 1 serves. In response to our need, Mason PUD 1 has developed a fuels
mitigation project that will trim the entire system,which we understand will allow for the PUD to effectively
maintain thereafter with the procurement of a highline bucket truck,chip truck, and chipping/saw machinery
included in this grant request.
We also understand the PUD only has the financial means to address small portions of easement annually, and the
removal of a few dead trees. Most outages in south Jefferson County are caused by treefal'ls so the PUD's
comprehensive plan to proactively remove danger trees,as identified by an arborist under the project, represents a
most effective wildfire mitigation strategy. We applaud the PUD's intention to pursue federal funds for this highly
needed wildfire preventative work without putting additional pressure on electric rates in our low-income
community in south Jefferson County.
The PUD is only able to engage in this intentional mitigation of wildfire risk if they receive funding from the
USDA/FS via the Community Wildfire Defense Grant Program. We support their plan for fuel stock removal and
ask the USDA/FS to fund the PUD's grant application so that this critical clear-cut can occur before a major I
wildfire jeopardizes our power lines and the life and property of our residents.
Jefferson County has engaged in multiple partnerships with the PUD and enjoys a mutually cooperative relationship
for infrastructure projects, FEMA and other emergency management activities. The PUD's management team
collaborates with our department of emergency management on projects like this one, specifically. We see their
proposed Whole—System VM Project as one that will help to protect the electrical service that Jefferson County
depends upon for business,education, healthcare,and household use.
The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners recommends the USDA/Forest Service prove the PUD's
application for funding their VM project.
Thank you for your consideration of Mason PUD l's proposal. .
Sincerely,
iW ,s.
Kate Dean, Dist. No. 1 `H ' Eisenhour. Dist. No. 2 therton, Chair, Dist. No. 3
Phone(360) 385-9100 Fax (360) 385-9382 jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us