Washington County approves $1.45 million match for Basalt Creek Parkway right‑of‑way

The Washington County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on Feb. 17 to commit $1,450,000 from the MSTIP large project match fund toward a right‑of‑way acquisition grant for the Basalt Creek Parkway extension between Grama Ferry Road and Boones Ferry Road.

Steven Roberts, Washington County’s land use and transportation director, told commissioners the project dates to planning work begun in 2010–11 and was coordinated with Metro, ODOT and the cities of Tualatin and Wilsonville. Roberts said the county has already invested about $10,000,000 in design and environmental phases and that funds previously spent could trigger multi‑million‑dollar repayment obligations to federal grantors if the project does not proceed. “If the project itself doesn't move forward…there could be obligations to repay some of those funds,” Roberts said during his presentation.

The board discussed letters it had received from two Tualatin council members opposing allocation of the funds; commissioners asked staff to attach those letters to the agenda materials for public review. Roberts said the Parkway is included in city and regional transportation plans and that the city of Wilsonville continues to support the project. He also listed other regional projects (Beaverton Hillsdale Highway, Olsen Road, a 185th Avenue MAX overcrossing) that face much larger price tags and more limited federal funding opportunities.

Commissioner Therese moved to remove item 11 from the consent agenda for separate action; after discussion the motion to approve the MSTIP match was moved, seconded and carried 4‑0. Chair Pro Tem Tim Snyder announced the motion passed unanimously.

Votes at a glance
- Motion: Approve $1,450,000 MSTIP large project match for Basalt Creek Parkway right‑of‑way. Moved by Commissioner Willie; seconded by Commissioner Fai. Outcome: Approved, 4‑0.
- Consent agenda (excluding item 11): Approved, 4‑0.
- Appointments to advisory committees (e1, e3, e4): Passed, 4‑0.

What happens next: Staff said the funding commitment was time‑sensitive to meet a federal application deadline; county staff will proceed with the right‑of‑way grant application and include the letters from Tualatin in the public record.

Sources and attribution: Details and direct quotes in this article come from remarks by Steven Roberts and the recorded motions and roll call during the Feb. 17 Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting.