In a recent meeting of the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners, the board convened to hear an appeal regarding the US Market truck stop project in Rochester, Washington. The appeal was filed by the Confederated Tribes of the Chehalis Reservation against a hearing examiner's decision that dismissed their challenge to the project, which includes a 12,347 square foot store, a 2,049 square foot restaurant, and fueling pumps.

The hearing examiner had ruled that the tribes lacked standing to contest the project’s environmental approval and found the zoning appeal to be without merit. The board's review will focus on whether the hearing examiner's summary judgment was appropriate and if any material facts were overlooked.

During the meeting, the commissioners confirmed their impartiality, stating they had no ex parte communications regarding the appeal since it was filed on July 15, 2024. Each party involved in the appeal was allotted 15 minutes for oral arguments, with the appellant reserving time for rebuttal.

The project has raised concerns regarding its compliance with zoning regulations, particularly whether it is permitted in the planned industrial park district. The hearing examiner had previously determined that the proposed fueling stations qualify as service stations under county code, a point contested by the tribes.

As the board proceeds with the appeal, the outcome could have significant implications for the development of commercial projects in the area, particularly those involving environmental and zoning considerations. The meeting marks a critical step in the ongoing dialogue between local government and tribal interests regarding land use and development in Thurston County.