The original proposal for the Horse Heaven Hills Wind and Solar Farm in 2021 was quite ambitious. It was set to be the largest wind project ever proposed in Washington, with up to 222 wind turbines across 24 miles of the Horse Heaven Hills near the Tri-Cities. In addition, three solar arrays would cover up to 5,447 acres in the area. However, the proposal underwent significant changes due to various concerns, primarily related to environmental and community impacts. Here are the major changes:
The Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) of the State of Washington submitted its recommendation on the Horse Heaven Hills Wind and Solar Farm to Governor Inslee on April 29, 2024. The recommendation package was sent after a multi-year review process. Governor Inslee has three options:
By law, Governor Inslee has 60 days from the receipt of the EFSEC recommendation to make a decision. As the recommendation was submitted on April 29, 2024, we can expect a decision from Governor Inslee by the end of June 2024. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, I recommend checking the official EFSEC website. AuthorMatt Murphy, TCRCC Government and Regional Affairs Director, matt.murphy@tricityregionalchamber.com
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Congratulations to New U Women's Clinic and Aesthetics on the groundbreaking ceremony for their new location! The facility will be located at 10973 W. 10th in Kennewick. We are excited to announce that the Tri-City Ag Council, an initiative created as part of the MYTRI2030 strategic planning process, sponsored by the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce, has awarded the feasibility study for an Ag Innovation Center in the Tri-Cities to The Vine Institute. In our pursuit of innovation and growth in the agricultural sector, the Ag Council sent out a Request for Proposals (RFP) for this pivotal study. We were thrilled to receive 10 responses, reflecting the interest and commitment to agricultural innovation in our region. After careful consideration, the award was made in mid-April to The Vine Institute, a leading organization in the field of agricultural innovation. The Vine Institute, based in California, is at the nexus of agriculture, food, and biotech innovation. Their mission is to leverage the dynamism of open innovation, aiding industries, and entrepreneurs in achieving global expansion. They strive to stimulate technological advancement and commercialization for productive, sustainable, and equitable food systems. The Vine Institute is committed to fostering a thriving, inclusive environment for innovation. They partner with a diverse array of stakeholders, each contributing their unique expertise, insights, and resources. Their team brings together a wealth of expertise and experience to support the growth and success of their programs. The feasibility study officially kicked off on May 2nd, with the Ag Council discussing the projects and their vision for a new Ag Innovation Center. This center will serve as a hub for agricultural innovation in the Tri-Cities, fostering collaboration, supporting startups, and driving technological advancement in our region. We look forward to the insights and recommendations that The Vine Institute will bring through this feasibility study. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to drive forward our vision for agricultural innovation in the Tri-Cities. AuthorMatt Murphy, TCRCC Government and Regional Affairs Director, matt.murphy@tricityregionalchamber.com Congratulations to Tee Time on their ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening, held on Friday, May 3. You can visit the miniature golf course at 2203 W. 4th Ave., Ste. A in Kennewick. Earlier this year, H.R. 7024, received significant bipartisan approval in the U.S. House of Representatives (357-70). The bill aims to provide tax relief for American families and businesses. Despite the overwhelming support in the House, the U.S. Senate has yet to take action on this crucial legislation. The delay has left many wondering why the Senate has not acted promptly:
What do you think? Let your representatives in the U.S. Senate know where you stand. Contact them: Senator Patty Murray Senator Maria Cantwell AuthorMatt Murphy, TCRCC Government and Regional Affairs Director, matt.murphy@tricityregionalchamber.com Washington State Department of Labor and Industries hosted a free training for construction workers at Yakima Valley College on Friday, April 19, 2024.
Maria Alleman, an Advisor with the Washington APEX Accelerator, delivered a comprehensive class titled “How to Find Bids and Market to Government Agencies”. Aimed at contractors and suppliers of goods and services seeking success in government contracting this session provided valuable insights. Attendees gained knowledge on locating bid opportunities within Washington State and implementing best practices for marketing to government agencies. The Washington APEX Accelerator program plays a pivotal role in assisting businesses to prepare for, identify, and pursue bid opportunities. With eight centers spread across various regions, the program supports businesses in navigating federal, state, and local government contracting processes. Maria Alleman operates within Region 8, which is hosted by the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce and extends its services to Benton, Columbia, Franklin, Grant, Klickitat, Walla Walla, and Yakima counties. For further details, please reach out directly to Washington APEX Accelerator via their website at https://washingtonapex.org. Thanks to everyone who attended the State of the Counties Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Benton County Commissioner Michael Alvarez and Franklin County Commissioner Stephen Bauman gave insightful presentations on their prospective counties, touching on economic development, partnerships, public safety, and more. Washington State Introduces “Washington Saves” Retirement Program Washington state is taking steps to implement a new retirement program, joining 15 other states with similar initiatives. The recently passed ESSB 6069 establishes “Washington Saves,” an automatic enrollment individual retirement savings program. Key Points:
This initiative aims to empower individuals to save independently for their retirement, contributing to long-term financial security. Despite initial confusion with other state programs, the auto-enrollment retirement plan is designed to benefit Washington residents in the years to come. You can learn more about the program here. AuthorMatt Murphy, TCRCC Government and Regional Affairs Director, matt.murphy@tricityregionalchamber.com Congratulations to Lucky Leaf Co. on their ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, April 19! The cannabis retailer is located at 3501 Rd. 68, #104 in Pasco. The workforce of 16-17-year-olds in Washington State represents a significant, yet often overlooked, potential for businesses. Let’s explore the current regulations, and challenges associated with employing minors. In Washington State, employers are required to comply with specific laws and rules when hiring minors. These include obtaining a Minor Work Permit endorsement on their business license, maintaining specific information on file for each minor worker, and adhering to restrictions on the hours that minors can work. During the school year, 16-17-year-olds are allowed to work up to 4 hours per day and 20 hours per week. However, during non-school weeks, they can work up to 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week. These restrictions are designed to ensure that employment does not interfere with their education. While there are potential benefits, there are also challenges associated with employing 16-17-year-olds. These include managing their limited availability due to school commitments and ensuring compliance with labor laws. Employers must also provide a safe and appropriate work environment for young workers. The 16-17-year-olds represent an untapped workforce that could potentially benefit many businesses. However, it’s crucial for employers to understand and comply with the regulations associated with employing minors. With careful management and adherence to labor laws, businesses can successfully integrate these young workers into their operations. During the 2024 legislative session, two bills were introduced to help businesses and students navigate and potentially take advantage of this untapped labor market. Rep. April Connors and Rep. Stephanie McClintock both introduced bills to assist with this resource. Unfortunately, neither bill made it out of committee. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) is currently seeking feedback on a draft administrative policy regarding the employment of minors. This policy specifically guides scheduling and hours of work requirements for minors. Unlike the Revised Code of Washington (RCWs) and Washington Administrative Code (WACs), the draft administrative policy provides more detailed information. This is an excellent opportunity for you to share any concerns you may have with the limitations and restrictions on the days, times, and hours that minors may work. Here is the link to the information from L&I regarding a virtual feedback session on April 26 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., or written comments can be submitted to L&I through May 31. AuthorMatt Murphy, TCRCC Government and Regional Affairs Director, matt.murphy@tricityregionalchamber.com |
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