Thanks to everyone who came out to Business After Hours at Barnard Griffin Winery on Thursday, May 9! We hope you had a wonderful time and made some fruitful new business connections.

A proposal to approve the Horse Heaven Wind Farm Project has been submitted to Governor Jay Inslee by the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council of the State of Washington (EFSEC). Tri-Cities C.A.R.E.S. - a local group dedicated to educating the public and working with local governments and organizations to protect the interests of the citizens who will be impacted by this project - has started a petition to oppose the project and is encouraging the public to sign the petition.

Background:
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. The Regional Chamber opposes the project - read our letter of opposition.

However, the proposal underwent significant changes due to various concerns, primarily related to environmental and community impacts. Here are the major changes:

1. Reduction in the number of turbines: More than half of the project’s proposed turbines were considered for removal to protect the ferruginous hawk, an endangered species in the Tri-Cities area. This marked a victory for ecologists who petitioned for the changes.
2. Shrinking of the solar arrays: The spread of solar arrays was also reduced.
3. Mitigation measures for community concerns: The EFSEC imposed conditions on the project to minimize the most adverse effects of the nearly 500-foot-tall turbines and acres of solar arrays. These measures were taken in response to concerns from local residents about the project’s proximity to the community, potential impact on scenic views, and potential lowering of property values.
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These changes represent a substantial shift from the original vision of the project. Despite these modifications, if approved, the wind farm would still be Washington’s second largest.

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:

1. Approve the council recommendation and execute the Site Certification Agreement (SCA)
2. Reject the application.
3. Direct the council to reconsider certain aspects of the project and SCA.
   
   

The governor’s decision is considered quasi-judicial, meaning it will be based solely on the record developed by the siting council and information from outside sources will not be considered.

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. 

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.

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.