Scoggins Valley Park visitor center largely grant‑funded but still needs $1.7 million match; construction aimed for Sept. 2027

During the April 21 work session staff said the Scoggins Valley Park visitor center is substantially supported by external grants but still faces a local funding gap.

“[T]he Bureau of Reclamation gave us $1,700,000, and we need to match the $1,700,000,” the parks presenter said, explaining that the award is a matching grant and that the county has overmatched at the campground but still needs funds for the visitor center. The presenter added that county staff are actively pursuing additional grants to close the gap.

Staff gave a construction timeline tied to the grant schedule: the presenter said construction is currently scheduled for completion by September 2027 and that staff are “looking for extension on the visitor’s center” if needed to align with grant timelines.

Commissioners asked for clarity about where matching funds appear in revenue tables and whether matching sources (Metro local share, Oregon Marine Board, Oregon Parks and Recreation, and others) are fully represented; staff responded that the match is composed of multiple partners and noted ongoing work to document matches in the CIP materials.

Next steps: staff will continue to seek grant match funding, may pursue an extension for the Bureau of Reclamation timeline if necessary, and will update CIP slides to show the match and schedule more clearly for the board.