Commissioners approve FAA runway grant, marine‑board grant, dam consent order, two land‑use findings and appointments

The Josephine County Board of Commissioners recorded several unanimous approvals at its May 26 administrative workshop, voting 3–0 on multiple grants, agreements and appointments.

Key votes and outcomes

- Airport FAA grant acceptance: The board accepted a grant tied to FAA funding for a runway extension. Staff listed total project funding at about $1.526 million (FAA $1.45M, ODAB $68,684, county match roughly $7,600). Commissioners voted to accept the grant and authorized the chair to sign.

- Oregon State Marine Board maintenance grant: Commissioners approved renewal of a biennial boat‑ramp maintenance grant of $32,700; staff said the county exceeds the grant match requirement.

- Water resources consent order (dam cleanup): The board authorized the director to sign a revised consent order with state water resources; staff said the redline changes were consistent with the county’s objectives to acknowledge the problem and move toward remediation and funding.

- Land‑use appeal findings: The board finalized findings and decisions on two appeals. The Savage Creek Road appeal — regarding placement of a forest dwelling at 1569 Savage Creek Road — was approved with conditions following a May 4 hearing. The McMahon/Trust partition appeal findings were also adopted as presented.

- Appointments: The board approved an applicant to the Law Enforcement Service District Citizens Advisory Committee and accepted Commissioner Martin’s volunteered liaison role to the oversight/citizens advisory board for law enforcement.

Votes were recorded by roll call where applicable (Commissioner Richardson — yes; Commissioner Martin — yes; Commissioner Smith — yes). Several approvals included direction for additional staff follow-up (for example, the public health department was directed to return with a five‑year plan; the airport project expects further reimbursement as additional grants are received).

What’s next: Several items require follow-up actions: staff will return with the public‑health five‑year inspection plan; the airport project awaits additional state grant receipts before taxilane work begins this summer; county legal counsel will vet a proposed resolution on flavored tobacco products before it is finalized for signature.