Welcome to Skagit County

July 26th, 2005

COMMISSIONERS SIGN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT TO CREATE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK CONSORTIUM

SKAGIT COUNTY – On Tuesday, July 26, 2005, the Skagit County Board of Commissioners signed an Interlocal Communications Network Consortium Agreement between Skagit County, the cities of Anacortes, Burlington, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley, Public Utility District #1 and the Port of Skagit County to create a communications network throughout Skagit County.

The mission of the consortium is to find a way to provide a locally focused backbone to provide high speed telecommunications networks, and the availability of a county-wide fiber optic network and complementary technologies to encourage economic development.

“This consortium will enhance our excellent working relationship with other governments and provide better service to citizens faster and more efficiently,” said Skagit County Information Services Director Mike Almvig. “Our strong commitment to better digital government saves time and money.”

In the agreement, the parties agree to:
Coordinate planning and development
Establish design and technology standards and guidelines
Devise a standard contract framework for third parties
Obtain outside technical assistance as required
Obtain funding as required or convenient to the Consortium’s purposes
Cooperate with each other in order to facilitate economic development

“All of our local jurisdictions owe it to the taxpayer to work together to find economies of scale and efficiencies that benefit everyone,” said Skagit County Commissioner Don Munks. “When all parties are at the table, good things happen.”

For further information, contact: Dan Berentson
Communications Director
360-419-3461