Tenino wins grants for ballfields, EV chargers; TIB award targets Old Highway 99 work

Tenino — At its Nov. 26 meeting the City of Tenino reported several capital grant wins the council said will shape 2025 projects.

Clerk Treasurer Jen Sharber told the council the municipal capital improvement fund will receive two large grants in 2025: a $589,000 award from the State RCO for ballfields and $367,000 for EV chargers at the Ag Park. Jen told the council these grants make up almost all the expected capital revenues for the year and that the associated capital expenditures will support those projects.

Director of Public Works Troy reported the city was awarded a Transportation Improvement Board (TIB) grant for Old Highway 99. He described the grant as a phased grind‑and‑overlay project covering roughly 2,800 feet; the TIB award will pay approximately 95% with a 5% city match. Troy said the first phase will extend from Houston Street out to the wastewater treatment plant and that formal contract documents remain to be signed before construction, which is likely next spring.

Councilors and staff emphasized the importance of having a small cash balance in the street fund to meet the city’s share of matches and to cover up‑front costs for grants that reimburse after work is paid. The mayor and public works director said they will bring the signed contract for the TIB award and related agreements to council for formal acceptance and signature in the near term.