Cathlamet Mayor Weighs-In On LNG Debate And Discloses Public Employee Signing Agreement And Others Involved With NSNG Activities

From: Wahkiakum County Eagle Newspaper

"To The Eagle:

I am writing to clarify aspects of your coverage of the Town Council’s LNG “debate” published in The Eagle’s 12/24 issue. First, my position is that the Town of Cathlamet should monitor the ongoing negotiations between Wahkiakum County and NorthernStar, the Texas-based organization that plans to construct a LNG facility several miles from Cathlamet -- not become a signatory to any agreement they might make.

Second, we must stay well-informed because the issues under negotiation could potentially impact our town’s waterfront, require zoning changes and render our 2006 Master Plan obsolete. Given that, it seems appropriate for town leaders, including the mayor and council members, to monitor developments proactively so as not to be caught off guard."

* Cathlamet Deputy Fire Chief signs a Non-Disclosure Agreement with Northern Star Natural Gas?
* Members of the Cathlamet fire department, funded by NorthernStar, have over the past three years undergone LNG fire training.
* Town Councilor David Goodroe, the current Executive Director of the Lower Columbia Economic Development Council, said at a meeting that the LCEDC has for several years discussed with NorthernStar and other parties a plan to base armed escort/security vessels in the Elochoman Marina and place LNG escort tugboats elsewhere on Cathlamet’s waterfront.

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October, 2009 - Northern Star Natural Gas Attempts To Float A Securities Services Agreement With Wahkiakum County Board Of Commissioners

Citizens: Investigate potential LNG security pact liabilities for 8 - 10 security jobs manned by Wahkiakum County Sheriff Officers.

Published on Thu, Oct 1, 2009 by Rick Nelson - The Wahkiakum County Eagle

"Tread carefully", That's the message a group of citizens gave the Wahkiakum County board of commissioners for their negotiation of a security services agreement with NorthernStar Natural Gas LLC.

"Island resident George Exum asked if the public would be able to review the proposed agreement prior to the commissioners voting on it.Commissioners and Garrett agreed the public could examine the agreement, with classified sections blacked out.In response to a question, Garrett said the facility is licensed as a receiving facility and would not be retrofitted to export natural gas. "We've offered to sign a letter that we'll not do that," he said."

"Commissioner Marsyla commented that she feels the potential of 8-10 jobs is "huge." "I truly will be really sad if this plant goes in and those 10 jobs end up in Columbia County and there are none here," she said. "I agree we need to look at the contract."

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