County hears proposals for three access options to energy pads; temporary route proposed to meet summer build timeline

County commissioners heard a presentation about three possible access routes to two proposed energy-production pads on the bench north of Roosevelt, and commissioners signaled conditional support for using a lower-cost route temporarily while a permanent access solution is pursued.

Speaker 6, presenting on behalf of the developer, said landowners are cooperating but that right-of-way width, steep grades and nearby homes make some options difficult. Speaker 6 summarized the trade-offs: Options 1 and 3 are more expensive and require greater grading and right-of-way work; Option 2 is less costly and already in use for lighter traffic. "We wanted to present these 3 options that are already present and current that are being used for either existing infrastructure or for as stated, gravel pits," Speaker 6 said, asking the commission for input and permission to use Option 2 on a temporary basis while Option 1 is pursued long-term.

Commissioners and staff questioned truck passing, sightlines and the need to widen approaches. Speaker 11 and others noted that some homeowners are already concerned about noise and property impacts; one commissioner noted the county right-of-way may be too narrow for required improvements. Commissioners and company representatives also discussed pipeline ownership and potential coordination with pipeline owners and the state. Speaker 11 cautioned about NEPA and federal review if work would impact a BIA canal.

Company representatives emphasized an early-summer schedule for pad construction and requested a temporary allowance to use Option 2 to meet that timeline while surveys and longer-term right-of-way negotiations proceed. County staff said they would survey the routes, assess legal right-of-way, coordinate with state agencies as needed and work with the proponents and private landowners to identify required permits and mitigation.

The presentation closed with staff-directed next steps: survey the three routes, provide engineering review of proposed upgrades for sightlines and aprons, and report back with clarified costs and any external permitting or NEPA triggers. No formal county vote restricting or approving access was recorded in the transcript excerpt.