PORT LUDLOW — Jefferson County officials and legal representatives are gearing up for an April 18 state Growth Management Hearings Board hearing that could lead to a Tri-Area urban growth area determination.
The county has been locked in a legal battle with Irondale Community Action Neighbors and environmental activist Nancy Dorgan over actions that they say could induce growth in the semi-rural area.
County Commissioner David Sullivan, D-Cape George, on Wednesday told an audience of about 20 at a Port Ludlow Chamber of Commerce luncheon that he expected a decision in the county’s favor.
The hearings board has 60 days to render a decision, which would mean mid-June.
“(The hearings board) already said the county was correct to have an urban growth area,” said Sullivan, adding that the boundary could be flexible.
“At least we’ll have that certainty,” said Sullivan. “That’s the big thing, so we can continue with this.”
First step
The Irondale-Port Hadlock unincorporated urban growth area, established in 2002, is required by the state Growth Management Act as a precursor to building public infrastructure such as a sewage treatment system.
The designated urban growth area is about 1,300 acres, compared with 4,500 acres in the city of Port Townsend growth area.
County Associate Planner Kyle Alm also explained urban growth area facts to the luncheon audience at Harbormaster Seafood & Spirits restaurant.
A sewage treatment plant is proposed to be constructed in the project’s first phase off Elkins Road for about $8.3 million, Alm said.