County Gives Thumbs-Up to Northwest Nitro Nationals

The Northwest Nitro Nationals Pro Hill Climb will go forward this spring, thanks to a Tuesday resolution by the Yakima County Commissioners that approves a
one-time festival permit for the event. The hill climb is set for May 3-5 at State Route 24 and State Route 241 near Sunnyside.

“Approving this permit in no way indicates approval for future event permits,” Board Chair Mike Leita said in a news release issued by the county. “The permit comes with conditions event organizers are required to meet to even be considered for future public events at this site.”

Conditions organizers must meet to be considered for future events include restoring the site to its previous condition, obtaining land-use and building permits, and submitting critical area reports that meet the minimum requirements under the law.

“By law we are charged to protect the health, welfare and property of residents,” Commissioner Ron Anderson said in the county's release. “It would be irresponsible of us to continue to allow physical damage to the site, or to expose taxpayers to liability.”

“The county is entering a new era of enforcing county codes, as requested by our taxpayers," Commissioner Norm Childress, according to the release. "We will continue to welcome public events in the County – provided organizers abide by the law.”