File #: 2012-0345    Version:
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
File created: 8/20/2012 In control: Budget and Fiscal Management Committee
On agenda: 10/15/2012 Final action: 10/15/2012
Enactment date: 10/26/2012 Enactment #: 17434
Title: AN ORDINANCE authorizing the King County executive to execute a lease agreement with Backbone Community Solar, in order to construct and operate a community solar project on land at the Vashon transfer station pursuant to RCW 82.16.110 through 82.16.140.
Attachments: 1. Ordinance 17434.pdf, 2. 2012-0345 Transmittal Letter.doc, 3. 2012-0345 Fiscal Note.xls, 4. A. Lease Agreement For Community Solar Project at Vashon Transfer Station, 5. 2012-0345 Backbone solar lease 9-18-2012 sr phh, 6. 2012-0345 BackboneCampaign-Background, 7. A. Lease Agreement For Community Solar Project at Vashon Transfer Station, dated 10-15-12, 8. 17434 Amendment 1 10-15-12.pdf
Staff: Hamacher, Patrick
Drafter
Clerk 10/16/2012
title
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the King County executive to execute a lease agreement with Backbone Community Solar, in order to construct and operate a community solar project on land at the Vashon transfer station pursuant to RCW 82.16.110 through 82.16.140.
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STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. The Washington state Legislature enacted the renewable energy system cost recovery program to provide financial incentives for solar energy projects in Washington state, including manufacturing of solar components. The program provides generous production incentives if made-in-Washington panels and equipment are utilized.
2. The community solar program, a part of the Washington state renewable energy system cost recovery program, RCW 82.16.110 through 82.16.140 and WAC 458-20-273, provides a framework for citizen investment groups formed to install solar energy projects on public property owned by local governments.
3. The program provides an important opportunity for the county to promote sustainability and economic development in our region. State law currently authorizes the program until 2020.
4. The state program defines a community solar project as a solar energy system, capable of producing no more than seventy-five kilowatts of electricity that is owned by a community investment group and placed on property owned by a cooperating local government.
5. The department of natural resources and parks determined that the best way to promote these types of solar projects is to make land available to community investment groups interested in developing projects.
6. Projects provide benefits to the county through reliable on-site power, net-metering that can reduce electric bills, and implementation of renewable energy and green technology strategies outlined in the 2010 King County Energy Plan.
7. Leasing King County property for community solar projects will promote clean solar power in the county, reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the re...

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