by
Rachel Hansen | Dec 19, 2023
Chelan PUD commissioners are considering buying 4,910 acres of undeveloped land in the foothills above Malaga, along Colockum Road. (audio at 02:00:00 of the board meeting recording)
“I view it as a strategic purchase. It provides options down the road, whatever that 50-year vision might look like,” General Manager Kirk Hudson said.
The proposed purchase and sale agreement is for $5,325,000 -- about $1,085 an acre -- from Ravenwing Ranch, LLC. According to the agreement, the utility has a 90-day due diligence period to investigate the property, with the option to extend.
Commissioners plan to vote on the proposed land deal in January.
Next year, Chelan PUD will embark on a strategic planning process that will guide key decisions into the future, with an emphasis on preparing the utility for the next 50 years.
Commissioners Garry Arseneault and Carnan Bergren spoke in favor of the purchase, citing the 50-year vision and the potential to secure the land for new sources of energy generation, energy storage, or wildlife habitat.
“This is a net win-win for the residents of this county,” Arseneault said. “We have to have faith that the future will reveal itself, and that we’ll have an opportunity here to follow in the footsteps of our forefathers who brought us to the point we are today.”
In other business, commissioners:
- Heard a progress report regarding the planned acquisition of Peshastin Water District. (01:08:00)
- Heard a preview on the 2024 state legislative session. (00:14:00)
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