Cowlitz County schedules presentations for 10 rural development proposals; staff stresses preference for shovel‑ready projects

County staff told commissioners the county received 10 submissions for rural development funds and proposed scheduling public presentations in late May (dates on staff's calendar included the 21st and 28th, with flexibility to move some presentations to a following Tuesday so all three commissioners can attend).

Staff listed each submission and the requested amounts: Castle Rock sought approximately $365,500 for a sewer force main (staff said this request could be 100% funded from the rural fund); Longview requested support for carpet replacement at the public library and separately asked for $366,230 to install field lights at a parks ballfield; Woodland requested roughly $576,000 for a North Peakin Road water main (staff described that as an 80% ask but said the application will be verified); Cowlitz County Public Works requested $1,000,000 toward a larger $5,242,000 Dyke Road reconstruction; a proposed I‑5 corridor electric distribution upgrade (near Exit 52) was described as a roughly $4.5 million project with a $400,000 ask; the Port of Woodland submitted design requests for the Roseway Industrial Park (requests staged across 2026 and 2028, including $300,000 in 2026 and $600,000 in 2028); and other smaller project requests included arena door replacement and backup power for a fire district.

Staff reminded the board that the rural fund has shifted to a reimbursement model (applicants must spend first and then seek reimbursement) and that the county expects about $1.5 million available this year after prior multi‑year commitments. Commissioners emphasized a preference for projects that put infrastructure "in the ground" and noted they will review whether loans or projects have been shovel‑ready before approving awards; staff said some multi‑year commitments will roll off in 2027, which could increase availability in later years.

The board did not decide awards at the meeting; staff will run presentations publicly on the scheduled dates, verify applicants meet fund requirements, and return with clarifying information and recommendations as needed.