Forum tackles solar energy, emergency preparedness

The future is looking brighter for solar energy in La Conner.

“You have a big advantage,” Markus Virta, managing partner and co-founder of Cascadia Renewables, told two dozen people attending a community solar storage feasibility study meeting at La Conner Swinomish Library last Saturday.

Virta said collection and analysis of detailed energy usage data at La Conner Schools and the La Conner fire station, could lead to future state grant funding for installation of clean energy systems and backup generators at both venues This is his firm’s “main effort” in Skagit County.

The Bellingham firm is committed to accelerating an equitable clean energy transition in the Pacific Northwest.

“La Conner and Skagit County,” Virta insisted, “are ahead of most areas in the state.”

If solarized, the La Conner locales would realize reduced energy bills and serve as climate resiliency hubs and emergency shelters, according to Virta and Councilmember Mary Lee Chamberlain. She spoke on behalf of the La Conner-based Skagit Valley Clean Energy Cooperative.

The dual purpose of the Feb. 3 La Conner meeting was to solicit public input related to designs for the proposed schools and fire hall resiliency projects and continue the ongoing process of informing citizens where to go during emergencies requiring evacuation.

Rough cost estimates to solarize the fire station range between $300,000 and $600,000, said Virta, though he stressed that the Town’s share would be “ideally nothing” given funding available through the Energy Programs in Communities grant program.

Solarizing the two school buildings could run between $1.5 million and $2 million each, though again the local cost share stands to be far less with grant support.

“The impetus behind this,” Chamberlain said, “is there’s money out there that we can take advantage of and make our community more resilient.

“They would be saving money on their utilities,” she added, “when not being used as evacuation centers.

“The school,” she said, “has big spaces and kitchens and it’s identified as a place to go when we have needs.”

Chamberlain noted that La Conner Schools is site of spectator sports and special events and has at various times hosted church services and served as a polling place.

“We’re a perfect demonstration project with our size and diversity,” she said.

Chamberlain estimated that La Conner Schools could shelter 1,000 people in the event of a major emergency or natural disaster. Were an extended crisis to occur, Virta indicated the fire station would likely be employed as a command center.

Local emergency preparation

Preparing for prolonged local emergencies was a key theme Saturday.

La Conner Councilmember Rick Dole and Emergency Management Commissioner Jerry George joined Virta in making presentations.

Dole said Town officials have explored development of a color-coded map that would show locations of emergency shelters here and list services provided at each. He also said a Skagit County template is being used to create a draft Community Emergency Management Plan for La Conner.

George praised Dole and others residing along Tillinghast Drive for their proactive approach to potential emergencies.

“It’s the best example of a mapped neighborhood that I’ve seen,” said George.

“We take care of one another on that street,” responded Dole. “We know the necessities of everyone. It’s important to know your neighborhood, everyone’s needs and be prepared to help.”

Accessing accurate information is vital in an emergency, George stressed: “Getting good information is the key to a successful emergency response.”

But communications systems can be disabled by natural disasters, such as a major earthquake, said George, who has lived in “earthquake country” much of his life.

“If shaking goes on for more than two minutes,” George said, “count on not having utilities for three weeks. You’ll be without water and likely without power.

“Your best response,” he advised, “is getting your neighborhood organized.”

Virta conceded that much of his presentation entailed “technical language,” but it still generated questions from the audience.

Virta praised La Conner for the momentum it is generating on the clean energy and emergency preparedness fronts.

“I’m glad La Conner is developing a CEMP,” he said. “And you’re very fortunate to have the SVCEC in this community.”