HomeMy WebLinkAboutres2004-008WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL AGENDA BILL
NO. 2004 - 108
CLHARANCFS Date Date Received in Council Office Agenda Date Assigned 'I'o
Orig_Dept.- County Council
21912004
2/102004
Council
Division Head'.
Dept. Head.
Prosecutor:
Budget
Executive:
SUBJECT.
Resolution opposing Substitute House Bill 2340
ATTACHMENTS
SUMMARYSTATEMENT:
Related County Contract %:
Resolution opposing Substitute House Bill 2340.
Should the Clerk schedule a asain gP (YM) N Requested Date:
RECOMMENDED MOTION (for final action):
COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN
2004- 108 211012004'. Amended and approved 7 -0, Res. #2004 -008
Related File Numbers: Ordinance or Resolution Number (this item only).
Ra; - * SON - 008
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Resolution opposing SHB 2340
SPONSORED BY: Consent
PROPOSED BY: Caskey- Schreiber
INTRODUCED ON: February 10, 2004
RESOLUTION NO. 2004 -008
OPPOSING SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2340
WHEREAS, in November of 1990 the citizens of Whatcom County passed
Initiative 4 -90 restricting high voltage electrical power transmission lines over
115,000 volts to industrial zones; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Whatcom County Home Rule Charter and
Whatcom County Code, Ordinance No. 90 -124 was codified giving effect to the
adopted Initiative 4 -90; and
WHEREAS, Whatcom County Ordinance No. 90 -124 amends the official
Whatcom County Zoning Code 20.82.020 by restricting the placement of new
electrical power transmission lines carrying more than 115,000 volts to districts
classified as industrial or to those lands where such lines have already been
permitted; and
WHEREAS, the public has brought forward concerns to the Whatcom County
Council that power lines of 115,00 volts or greater pose a risk to their public safety
and property from the possible location of high power transmission lines in close
proximity to people's houses, animals, and barns; and
WHEREAS, the Whatcom County Council wishes to maintain its authority to
locate transmission lines in a manner that is least disruptive to the citizens of
Whatcom County, while allowing for the transmission of power to occur in our county
through designated corridors, which can then connect to the Northwest Grid system
to benefit the citizen's of Washington State and the regions beyond; and
WHEREAS, Substitute House Bill 2340 may usurp such local legislative
authority and the rights of its citizens under the Whatcom County Home Rule
Charter; and
WHEREAS, Substitute House Bill 2340 may thwart the County's ongoing
planning efforts under the Growth Management Act.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Whatcom County Council
opposes the adoption of Substitute House Bill 2340, which if passed would
undermine the citizen approved initiative, and may frustrate local control and siting
of electrical transmission lines.
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APPROVED this 10 day of February, 2004.
I) m:I 0141A-
David M. (Bunt
Civil Deputy Prosecutor
WHATCOM COUNTY COUNCIL
WXHA/TCOM COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Aoj_�
Dan McShane, Council Chair