Welcome to Skagit County

September 2nd, 2004

MOUNT VERNON AND PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRICT NO. 1 OF SKAGIT COUNTY SIGN AGREEMENT FOR FIBER EXPANSION

Mount Vernon and PUD Together on Fiber

MOUNT VERNON –The Mayor and City Council of Mount Vernon have agreed to sign an Interlocal Agreement with the Public Utility District No. 1 of Skagit County to combine efforts on fiber optic build out. The City Council approved the agreement at Wednesday night’s council meeting for the Mayor’s signature. The Skagit PUD No. 1 commission is expected to sign the Agreement on Tuesday September 7, 2004 at their regular monthly meeting.

“We have all worked very hard to get to this point and are truly excited to move forward with this agreement. We have the opportunity to combine resources for mutual benefit, while working together effectively and efficiently. We look forward with great enthusiasm to a renewed spirit of cooperation and public service.” said Commissioner Robbie Robertson, Public Utility District No. 1 of Skagit County.

“We are very excited that everyone is coming together to find efficient ways to leverage public funds to extend the fiber optic network infrastructure. This is a monumental step forward, with Public Agencies working well together.” said Bud Norris, Mayor, City of Mount Vernon.

The projects on which Mount Vernon and Skagit PUD are cooperating include various control systems and infrastructure related communications projects.

This interlocal agreement opens the door to a wide variety of local and regional opportunities and is a major step forward in the formation of a Fiber Optic Consortium for Skagit County local governments.

For further information, contact Kim Kleppe at kimk@ci.mount-vernon.wa.us or Gary Chrysler at glc@skagitpud.org.