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May 12, 2003
SKAGIT COUNTY - Skagit County remains committed to release grant funds to the City of Mount Vernon to expand their fiber optic network as soon as operating agreements can be signed with the participating government agencies, said Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt. The participating agencies include the City of Burlington, the Burlington-Edison School District, the Port of Skagit County and United General Hospital. The $750,000 grant is funded by a .08 percent sales tax refund from the State of Washington to be used for infrastructure and economic development. Skagit County Commissioners approved the grant in October but have not signed the interlocal grant agreement. “We are supportive of fiber optic build out in Skagit County and Mount Vernon’s efforts, but we have some concerns that need to be addressed ,” said Skagit County Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt. Skagit County Administrator Gary Rowe issued a letter today addressed to Mount Vernon Mayor Skye Richendrfer and the City Council requesting:
“Skagit County has previously proposed that a management plan should be established that allows participating government agencies a say in the decision making process, in regard to the management of this system. Since Mount Vernon is demanding sole oversight, the County’s concerns must be addressed before approving the grant contract,” said Dahlstedt. “We are committed to working on the issues outlined and will be available to meet with Mount Vernon’s legal and technical staff to craft the appropriate language for these interlocal agreements,” said Rowe. For further information,
contact: Dan Berentson
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