Cowlitz County schedules presentations for 10 rural development applicants; roughly $1.5 million available this year

County staff told the board they received 10 applications for rural development funds and recommended public presentations so commissioners can question applicants. Staff said about $1.5 million is expected to be available this year but noted multi-year commitments reduce the practical pool for new construction.

Key applications summarized by staff included:
- Castle Rock: sewer force main, requesting approximately $365,500 (staff said this would be 100% funded by rural development dollars).
- Long View: public library carpet replacement (amount in packet) and parks department request for field lights for the baseball/softball complex, requesting $366,230 (staff noted 100% funding requested).
- City of Woodland: North Peakin Road water-main work, request about $576,000 (staff said this would be an 80% of-cost ask but the transcript’s phrasing was unclear; staff will clarify with the applicant).
- Cal County Department of Public Works: Dyke Road reconstruction, total project about $5,242,000 with a county request of about $1 million (roughly 19% of the project, per staff).
- Port of Woodland: Roseway Industrial Park Phase 2 — staff listed a $300,000 request for 2026 and a later $600,000 ask (2028 referenced in transcript); these are phased requests for design and future construction funding.
- Other requests included a backup power request for Cal County Fire District No. 5 (staff listed a $228,000 project with a $100,000 request), an estimated $55,000 community-action planning request through the Economic Development Council (about $40,000 requested), an I-5 corridor electric distribution upgrade (an estimated ~$4.5 million project with a $400,000 request) and smaller port-year design requests.

Staff said the county moved to a reimbursement model roughly two-and-a-half years ago (applicants spend first, then seek county reimbursement) and that awards typically carry an expiration (staff cited Dec. 31, 2026 as the usual year-end deadline unless the board grants an extension). Commissioners emphasized preference for shovel-ready infrastructure that puts improvements into the ground rather than design-only projects. Staff will schedule applicant presentations (the packet shows calendar entries for the 21st and 28th) and confirm project details and match percentages during those public meetings.

Next steps: applicants will be invited to present on the scheduled dates, staff will confirm unclear cost/share figures with applicants, and the board will consider awards after presentations.