Lewis County approves solid-waste contracts and Ecology litter-cleanup grants

Lewis County commissioners on Sept. 9 approved a package of resolutions that included a contract for transfer-station cleanup services and two grant agreements with the Washington State Department of Ecology covering litter cleanup and moderate-risk-waste programs for fiscal 2025–2027. The deliberation items passed 2-0.

Public works director Jeff Soderquist and Clerk of the Board Reva Lester described the items. Resolution 25-254 ratifies a contract with Cabros Cleaning Service (spelling in packet) for transfer-station cleanup and support services, with a maximum annual consideration of $150,000 funded by transfer-station tipping fees. "This authorizes the director of public works to sign the agreement," staff said.

Resolution 25-255 is an agreement with the Washington State Department of Ecology for a litter-cleanup program grant in the amount of $146,000, effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027, for cleanup along public lands and roadways. Resolution 25-256 is an Ecology agreement covering moderate-risk-waste and recycling/reduction programs; staff said the state allocation shown in the packet was $319,775 with a local match noted in the packet (match amount not clearly stated on the audio). Staff also described program dates from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027.

Why it matters: the contract and grants fund litter cleanup, moderate-risk waste handling and diversion activities and are supported by a mix of state grants and local tipping fees, affecting county solid-waste operations and budgets.

What to watch: the packet lists matching and funding details; staff acknowledged technical difficulties during the presentation and recommended in-person presenters for future meetings to avoid audio confusion.