Cascade Natural Gas is working towards increasing the size of the gas mainline located on the east side of Highway 395 near the Hermiston Airport and Feed Canal crossing.  Portions of the line are located in the Highway 395 right-of-way and portions cross the airport property and Airport Way.  In order to properly protect the upgraded gas line and ensure adequate maneuvering room for construction activities, four easements are proposed.  Two easements are proposed on city property for the gas main itself.  These easements are between 10 and 17 feet wide and run across city property under Airport Way and under the "Welcome to Hermiston" sign on the airport property.  Two additional easements are proposed for construction activities surrounding the gas line construction and will terminate on December 31, 2022.  All of the proposed easements are further described on the attached easement documents and on the area map prepared as part of this report.

The gas line itself will be buried at a considerable depth, between 10 and 40 feet.  Cascade Natural Gas proposes to utilize a combination of boring and excavation for trenching and installation of the new line.  All surface areas will be restored to original condition.

The consideration for these easements is $0.  The City of Hermiston and Cascade Natural Gas share a franchise agreement for use of city facilities and operation of the gas utility.  Payment of franchise fees by Cascade Natural Gas is generally considered to cover the cost of real property easements such as this.

The city council may choose to:

• Approve the four easements
• Reject the four easements