Welcome to Skagit County

July 28th, 2010

Skagit County receives $56,000 to fund a SCOG Resource Conservation Manager Program

SKAGIT COUNTY - Skagit County recently received $56,000 from the Department of Commerce to help fund a Skagit Council of Governments (SCOG) Resource Conservation Manager (RCM) program, which will reduce local government energy usage and increase savings.

An RCM is a designated individual who supports a local government energy and resource efficiency program. The RCM's sole purpose is to reduce costs associated with energy, water, natural gas, fuel oil, solid waste disposal, and other utilities through improved use practices, greater attention to utility billings, and the installation of resource management equipment.

Many local governments do not have the staff time or expertise needed to address resource waste in their facilities, and while local governments would like RCM programs, they lack the necessary funds to implement one. The savings associated with energy reduction and other utility costs, however, can both free up funds for other government services and help reduce energy usage.

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Skagit County received $56,000 from the department of Commerce and the WSU Extension Energy Program, which will support the successful implementation of the SCOG RCM program. Savings associated with reduced energy and increased resource efficiency are expected to help fund ongoing RCM activities in subsequent years. The Shared RCM Assistance program funds assistance with:

Identifying potential partners
Organizing the start-up of the local program
The hiring process
Training for the RCM and other staff
Energy accounting software and training
Ongoing technical and program support

The Skagit County Commissioners expressed appreciation for the award. "Now more than ever, local government needs to be looking for ways to save energy and reduce waste," Commissioner Ron Wesen said. "Wasting resources is wasting money." Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt agreed. "We are pleased to be able to pass this award along to the SCOG program so it will benefit our cities and other partners," he said.

Nine local jurisdictions are partnering with SCOG and Puget Sound Energy in a three-year effort to save money on utility usage by means of reducing internal operations energy consumption. Those partnering in the SCOG RCM program are:

City of Anacortes
City of Burlington
City of Sedro-Woolley
Town of La Conner
Skagit County
Skagit PUD #1
Swinomish Indian Tribal Community
Port of Anacortes
Port of Skagit

The participating jurisdictions will develop and implement conservation policies and procedures for reducing the use of electricity, natural gas/propane, water/sewer, solid waste, and recycling services at work.

There are currently over 75 RCMs in Washington State.

For more information, contact Ryan Walters at (360) 419-3444 or at ryanw@co.skagit.wa.us. Also visit www.skagitcounty.net/sustainability