07/15/09

Twin Falls County Commissioners are entering into a new agreement with federal and state agencies

Twin Falls County Commissioner Terry Kramer says, “This is a move that creates for a smooth flow for Cassia County, Twin Falls County, and Owyhee County, we are all coordinating counties.

After seeing what is happening in counties around Twin Falls, commissioners decided they want more of a say. Commissioners approved a resolution Wednesday to make Twin Falls County a coordinating county with state and federal agencies.

“We end up being a participant and have direct input into what goes in Twin Falls County and the development on federal land,” said Kramer.

This agreement makes it possible for the commissioners to review and to have more of a say in federal plans, policies and projects in the county; the benefit, more local involvement.

According to Kramer, “Because of the projects we have, especially the Gateway Transmission Line and the China Mountain Wind Project that are going through Twin Falls at some point, we figured it was a good time to declare we are a coordinating country also.”

This changes the county's participation level with state agencies. Now, instead of just being in an advisory position, commissioners have direct access to comment and suggest changes to federal and state projects in Twin Falls.