RESOLUTION 2007-59

(Creating a Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone)

WHEREAS, the rural counties of the Gorge suffer from fragile economies and desire to create jobs, expand the tax base and become economically self-sustaining, and

WHEREAS, there is increased availability of capital investment in renewable energy research and development projects on national, state and local levels; and

WHEREAS, the rural counties located within the Columbia River Gorge Region possess world class renewable energy assets including wind, sun, biomass, water and geothermal; and,

WHEREAS; the rural counties of the Gorge also possess extensive experience in managing a natural-resource based economy, including solutions-based research; and

WHEREAS, the rural counties of the Gorge desire to develop renewable energy projects that will reduce dependency on federal subsidies, bring economic vitality to the region and establish energy self-sufficiency; and

WHEREAS, the Commissioners of the rural counties of Skamania and Klickitat in Washington and Hood River, Wasco and Sherman in Oregon support the creation of a Regional Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone; and

WHEREAS, development of a Columbia Gorge Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone would enhance the region’s ability to secure assistance through private, federal, state and local programs to further its desire to develop renewable energy projects; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Skamania County Board of Commissioners endorses the creation of the Columbia Gorge-Bi-State Renewable Energy Zone that will include the Counties of Skamania and Klickitat in Washington and Hood River, Wasco, and Sherman in Oregon.

PASSED IN REGULAR SESSION this 18^th day of December 2007.