November 15, 2021. Strata has successfully participated in the pre-application phase, which concluded in December 2024. Through this process, Strata was approved as an eligible entity to apply in the final round, with applications due on April 11, 2025. Strata intends to submit an application covering all eligible locations in the Uintah Basin. Based on each location's financial viability and sustainability, Strata will utilize various technologies, including fiber, fixed wireless, and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite solutions. This approach ensures that unserved and underserved areas receive reliable broadband access tailored to their specific needs.

As part of their commitment to affordability and accessibility, Strata’s rates, service plans, and terms will remain consistent with their current offerings while adhering to BEAD program requirements, including providing a low-cost option for eligible subscribers. The parties discussed the letter, how Strata Networks has a long-standing history of delivering high-quality broadband services to rural communities, and how their extensive expertise in broadband deployment makes them a strong candidate for BEAD Funding. Commissioner Chugg made a motion to sign the letter in support of the Strata Networks BEAD program application. Commissioner Killian seconded the motion. Commissioner Chugg voted aye, Commissioner Killian voted aye, and Commissioner Miles voted aye. The motion passed.

Jeff Baker, with Jones & DeMille Engineering, presented the assignment order and explained that it allows them to do small designs for the county. The agreement is a two-year agreement through December 2026. The parties discussed the assignment order and their work with Jones & DeMille Engineering. Commissioner Killian made a motion to approve the Assignment Order with Jones & DeMille Engineering and authorize the chair to sign on behalf of the County. Commissioner Chugg seconded the motion. Commissioner Killian voted aye, Commissioner Chugg voted aye, and Commissioner Miles voted aye. The motion passed.

Community Development Director Mike Hyde presented the letter before the meeting. The parties discussed the letter and its purpose. A portion of the letter reads: On behalf of Duchesne County, Utah, we write in strong support of the two Minor New Source Review (“MNSR”) permit applications submitted by Deseret Generation and Transmission Co-operative (“Deseret”) currently under consideration by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”). These projects, once completed, would add Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR”) technology to Bonanza Unit 1 and Gas Peaking Units at the Bonanza site to help meet growing demands for power. The project represents an important step in securing a reliable and sustainable energy future for our county and the broader region, and we respectfully ask EPA to approve.

Duchesne County, Utah, receives 100% of its residential power supply from the Moon Lake Electric Association, Inc. (“Moon Lake”). Moon Lake is a non-profit rural electric cooperative operating in Northeastern Utah and Northwestern Colorado.

Duchesne County and Moon Lake are deeply concerned with the United States’ impending energy crisis spawned by the short-sighted policies of the previous administration. During the past four years, there was a growing trend of decommissioning many of the existing dispatchable power generation resources across the country without viable replacements. Demand for energy continues to increase to meet the needs of a growing population and new technologies, while the supply of reliable and affordable electricity follows a downward trajectory, leaving the nation’s populace with an electricity deficiency.

The letter includes several benefits that the proposed projects would offer. In conclusion, we believe that installing SCR and Gas Peaking Units is a win-win because it combines environmental sustainability with energy reliability and job creation. The projects align with the objectives and policies of the Duchesne County Resource Management Plan noted above. We strongly encourage you to approve Deseret's installation of SCR and Gas Peaking Units and look forward to seeing the positive outcomes it will bring.

Commissioner Chugg made a motion to sign the letter prepared by Mike Hyde in support of these two projects for Deseret Power with a minor modification. Commissioner Killian