[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6284522,"mediaKeyId","2578457-970f197db44cce32d69adab06705fd12","parentId",2578457,"title","Landfill gas-to-energy project remains stalled pending PUD–Ecology agreement, county officials say","audioSeconds",140,"startMs",3960000,"endMs",4100000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2578457-970f197db44cce32d69adab06705fd12&start=3960&end=4100","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2578457-970f197db44cce32d69adab06705fd12/thumbnail_3960000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6284522/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Landfill-gas-to-energy-project-remains-stalled-pending-PUDEcology-agreement-county-officials-say","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284522-12ba941ca685f54ed994e3e1d0ffaa9f/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078629&Signature=HUQ8D4peklOh32hlYZFVtv9EDWaTyh2ujqej-mbP1AbA372JTW6902vcSZol4iJulj2k9LJ8yo7xLySoUM66rnF9WYXHZK1Hmn5XoVtEmalMH~g0tdgA9c2NpjcmIZ-UYM2gw4PFKkUEnEeKLQHYV-NEemn94oLYkoKOUnNBi-tkceB0mr4eLyU3kG8VfTcZo-unf3asP29wv9XCbSWXapbi94VflHXadsHqmG9O~cON7gVDTc0MjTsI0nQwDdsxRXHd9Usg~ryvTQzrVaO2A2fdVdDudIiLNFfpywH9S4P0V4CEA7U8tNZ-9T2NXVCiPRD6naDrGpxajYAplEozxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cowlitz County Commissioners, Washington","date","2025-03-12T22:13:49Z","article","County staff reported the county’s landfill gas‑to‑energy proposal is effectively paused while the local public utility district and the Washington Department of Ecology try to resolve technical and regulatory issues.

Public Works staff said the PUD has invested substantial time and funds in the project but that Ecology’s outstanding requirements may make the project infeasible without regulatory changes. “It looks like it’s just gonna sit there until PUD and Ecology can get some kind of agreement,” Susan said. Staff and a PUD commissioner told the board that if Ecology does not adjust its requirements, the project likely will not proceed, and any future work would require a new agreement; previously committed federal funding timelines have expired.

Commissioners noted the county and PUD had secured meetings, including an outreach to the governor’s office, but staff said those efforts have not resolved the outstanding regulatory issues. Staff advised the board there is currently no county action that can force a resolution and that any restart would require new agreements and potentially new funding commitments.

No formal action was taken; staff will monitor PUD–Ecology discussions and report changes to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wednesday Business Meeting - 03.12.2025","oneSentenceSummary","County staff told commissioners the proposed landfill gas‑to‑energy project is stalled while the local PUD and the Washington Department of Ecology attempt to resolve outstanding regulatory and technical issues.","taxTitle","Cowlitz County, Washington","taxId",5122,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6284531,"Public Works outlines ambitious 2025 construction program, timelines and right-of-way process",552,1352000,1904000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2578457-970f197db44cce32d69adab06705fd12&start=1352&end=1904","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2578457-970f197db44cce32d69adab06705fd12/thumbnail_1352000.jpg","/articles/6284531/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Public-Works-outlines-ambitious-2025-construction-program-timelines-and-right-of-way-process","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284531-619bdf744874230224165e70ddef6504/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078629&Signature=FxG~NYaQBATc6rF-RGyMDw-b12y1b2KQwNjaODs7mFACn79ZMhS8v1DURzanU8zxd4mAIng8H51AASvXCSSPgglUSgNnvl1EQGPf8dLZOR3mho23dh9-AK5oKqWWaSYgBzEtlh10LlOosUBQiEB8iigYkRb~zqbTVfhzYj20l3p0W1jPKkrMnOcvl0DxxVhw0D85tWfDL0jyiAVreU2YIZ7kERvs7Mt99vOU35mUajCxU4wjiHpRZMhRRYVPRcNov-JZ07RlQfIagWQRvDdN0ib7vgrE7QUsaEW7gjta6jKlf5lWUBHeKPPKLV~sK4pdwEWcbwW4zJQFTKNHJx--OQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works staff on Wednesday gave the Cowlitz County commissioners a detailed status update on 2025 construction projects, current bid timelines, funding sources and the county’s right-of-way acquisition process.

Susan (Public Works) and staff said three projects are under contract and in progress: water-line and pump-station work on Tower/Spirit Lake Highway; a contract-awarded guardrail repair run estimated at about $460,000; and an awarded Tootle wastewater treatment plant upgrade (about $1.45 million, ARPA-funded) that will appear on next week’s agenda for execution. A FEMA-funded Tang Creek culvert project is scheduled for a call for bids next week, staff said.

Public Works described its annual overlay (approximately $2.1 million in construction estimate) and said advertising depends on final WSDOT permits for work that affects state highways. Staff noted that CRAB (County Road Administration Board) RAP funds provide recurring biennial support (staff said the county typically receives between $1 million and $2 million per biennium) and that RAP distributions are based on county population and lane miles.

On larger projects, staff gave the board a detailed summary of the right-of-way process used for property acquisition: county appraisers prepare a valuation with comparable sales, the county offers compensation for permanent takes and temporary easements, and landowners can obtain and submit an independent appraisal (the county offers funds to pay for one) if they contest the amount. If negotiations fail, staff said eminent-domain proceedings are a last resort and require detailed documentation and separate board authorization.

Staff highlighted several projects and scheduling details to watch: advertising timing for South Cloverdale Road (delays caused by WSDOT specification changes and finalizing fish-handling requirements), Dyke Road (awaiting U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 408 permit and final utility relocations), Pleasant Hill bridge (temporary bridge in place; plan to construct much of the new bridge outside the water to minimize in‑water work), and a headwall repair on South Tootle Road for which staff proposed a short-term fix while pursuing grant funding for full replacement.

Staff also described the county’s temporary bridge inventory, noting some units are reusable and stored at the Castle Rock shop. Commissioners asked about insurance recoveries for guardrail damage; staff said the county bills motorists when an accident report is available but that many incidents have no report and therefore go uncollected.

No formal approvals were taken; staff asked for continued board readiness to sign routine documents (CRAB levy certification and other electronic signature delegations). Public Works said schedules remain subject to change and that some projects expected for 2025 may slip into later months.","Public Works staff gave commissioners a line-by-line update on 2025 road, bridge and culvert projects, funding sources and the county’s right-of-way acquisition process, noting several active contracts and upcoming calls for bids.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6284536,"Parks staff seek $13,000 for conceptual designs for Riverside ‘Legacy Park’ pump track and ADA playground upgrades",160,1014000,1174000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2578457-970f197db44cce32d69adab06705fd12&start=1014&end=1174","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2578457-970f197db44cce32d69adab06705fd12/thumbnail_1014000.jpg","/articles/6284536/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Parks-staff-seek-13000-for-conceptual-designs-for-Riverside-Legacy-Park-pump-track-and-ADA-playground-upgrades","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284536-776ce8bc5deeaf22ba5d2ea6471153ab/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078629&Signature=i7s0SnW7K7rhewFjb5kzEVcnjAXc1yosAkmi20b4WonwsEuVzymDI2A5Y~VXIcuM6LHy3Rz8BxO~4l5GCMHR6gr22auGUaYRYKH56X3eFTL~bydGFgJo2Nd9AmXKP26ZHqHVhLhRDtd4Hr96LYs0ZC3TPO~LsA0tvdgvvUKcTzwLvLVarbn8UrN0oPT~CpsiOj~0k8UKKtk9L9Uz7iYABgOPeBgLoZEDlODfoJ4r3ah8FKmSddRVO5LDgO6Mc8U-rLfM56WJuiyB7E0LVcKep9BOmsP2slHtEXxqOA~g~Qbetb9AW0M6QudXJnjlqd2y-qjbd7l37z4T7me8ecDrAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Parks staff briefed the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners on a proposed conceptual-design effort for a “Legacy Park” at Riverside Park that would add a bicycle pump track and new playground equipment with ADA-accessible elements.

Kathleen (USDA contact) and the county’s lobbyist David Hodges have advised parks staff to present project boards and visual materials to potential funders, Parks staff said. The design task before the board would produce formal conceptual drawings to support grant and federal funding applications.

Parks staff said the original vendor quote was higher and has been reduced to a little over $13,000. Staff are not asking for approval at Wednesday’s meeting; instead they will distribute the design materials and return next week to discuss timing and funding requests, with an eye to applying for funds by May if possible.

Commissioners discussed ADA elements and whether the playground would replace existing equipment or add new structures. Parks staff said the plan is to add a new play structure while retaining the existing one, and to include accessible surfacing and selected accessible features rather than making the entire structure ADA-compliant.

Staff also noted the county previously used ARPA funds to support a similar playground project in Kelso and said Riverside’s location, near Lexington schools, makes the project competitive when targeting certain grant programs that prioritize low-income school districts and underserved areas.

Parks staff will return with slides and more detail next Wednesday; no funding decision was made on Wednesday.","Parks staff asked the commissioners to review a contract proposal to produce conceptual designs for a pump track and an ADA-accessible playground at Riverside Park, with a reduced quote just over $13,000. Staff requested time to circulate design materials and return to the board next week for funding-request timing discussions.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6284540,"Cowlitz County staff recommend updating lease, invite Janice House to brief commissioners on youth day-stop program",729,155000,884000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2578457-970f197db44cce32d69adab06705fd12&start=155&end=884","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2578457-970f197db44cce32d69adab06705fd12/thumbnail_155000.jpg","/articles/6284540/Cowlitz-County/Washington/Cowlitz-County-staff-recommend-updating-lease-invite-Janice-House-to-brief-commissioners-on-youth-day-stop-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284540-38300a7a8656979957de8dd1e58ba3af/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078629&Signature=WdLzgGl9G5hdKa0GPRphofelVotQ0UbgXqZP~xGVpyRegjMOu0Mx2A6aBO5scztt2evU6WoSe74EVRppoa5R2kSrWvo8kAz~Fhx1633VCH1P2HUF4ULR6~qyrZL-OHQD7Eyx26rbhcKrqxzktLTNcdn0AtpadsiUzXL2BgGazBcO7FbYG~aUelxiBC0UBj7hKP53J8qh5KsTGcrm7bl5V0-57qkxWKVM0aE-LFgZdKrxt6y88umc5c1BfWDll5SLOs4kuwvF-8g58aa~zgpQz98FNgs20YHrotnta09UWn0VB1t6eweZHeNFKCRLVvbLVIQsoqdXRklz8w91c~MnvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cowlitz County public services staff told commissioners on Wednesday that two county-owned houses near the Hall of Justice are occupied by a nonprofit called Janice House and that staff are proposing a modernized lease and a board briefing.

Savannah Clement, Public Services, said the county acquired two houses on Washington Street (addresses 124 and 202) some years ago and that volunteers and the nonprofit rehabilitated the buildings after they were in poor condition. “What Janice House does is provide a day stop area for homeless youth in our community,” Clement said, describing shower, laundry and donation-room services and space used for case management and meetings.

Sean (Public Services staff) told commissioners the existing arrangement began as a one-year lease with renewals and that those documents have expired. “They put a deposit on the homes of about a thousand dollars. They do not pay us rent. Instead, they are doing the maintenance and improvement on the buildings themselves,” Sean said.

Staff asked whether the board is open to directing legal to draft a current lease and return for further discussion. Commissioners agreed they want clearer terms describing maintenance responsibilities, rent or lease value equivalency, insurance and liability. Commissioner Dahl emphasized he wants assurances that the county is not “gifting” county assets and that liability language be explicit before any renewed agreement is finalized.

Clement said Janice House’s staffing is paid in part by local medical providers and that the program relies primarily on state and federal grants; she said staff were unable to supply a reliable annual or monthly client count and described usage as “hit and miss,” with higher demand on holidays. Staff said the houses are modest (about 1,300 square feet each, two bedrooms, one bath) and that the nonprofit employs roughly four full‑time staff and operates two outreach vehicles.

Commissioners instructed staff to: ask Janice House to meet with the board at a future public meeting to describe its services and answer questions; provide the board copies of the existing (expired) agreement and any related documents; and involve county legal counsel in drafting updated lease terms that specify rent or value-equivalency, insurance obligations and liability protections.

Staff said they will return with a proposed updated lease and that, if the board wishes to continue the occupancy, the county will bring the new agreement back for board action. The county did not adopt any new lease Wednesday.","County staff reported on two small houses the county owns that Janice House, a local nonprofit, occupies rent-free while providing a daytime drop-in program for homeless youth. Staff recommended legal review and a new, longer lease if the board wishes to continue the arrangement and invited Janice House to present to the board.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":79,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":82,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6284527,"County to submit CRAB levy certification electronically; Ecology signature delegation to appear on next agenda",410,1762000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2578457-970f197db44cce32d69adab06705fd12&start=1352&end=1762","/articles/6284527/Cowlitz-County/Washington/County-to-submit-CRAB-levy-certification-electronically-Ecology-signature-delegation-to-appear-on-next-agenda","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6284527-d58c222d17091e9c871c9ad28cfba41e/orig.mp4?Expires=1773078629&Signature=Cpxdsj3I1k4fwMRwtoTOY4q2YXDi6cLflSBX4Wl2T4YsFt64~BBbUgLbSC3cWXJpMLU6ue9XjU9t0D6SoXb1j0nXRLyS4EHfgUtOuPlyh9sF8Wg9tQD5Yl5FkogpCh~azDjAWFN-ul2As~LcsvxLHo7tJ17BanKdA884tv6ikAN1co7n5EcsQlWIuItKbVskA8wMT8yXxvcN-JryUbM0Im~8eKlQk3rbzW4rtRYpEL2zDH8N9Jb80iCA01SBkA9kqnt1w4ZPQ7RMoRD3fAvWbmCze7g9Oo4vbVJ1Xe~42Kbk3phJLY1sq3wHkFXSQkNOrYmt6HUFTTS2GjBkeLDMUg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public Works staff told commissioners they are using a new electronic submission process for the CRAB (County Road Administration Board) Levy and Estimated Revenue Certification and showed the board the form the county must file.

Susan said the county’s new paperless filing replaces the former wet-signature process and that the information on the form comes from offices across county government. She said the county typically receives between $1 million and $2 million in CRAB RAP funds per biennium and that those funds support arterial and collector road projects.

The board agreed the chairman could sign electronically to certify the CRAB form. Public Works also told the board that Ecology requires an electronic-signature delegation (naming the public works director as the responsible official) when a new board takes office; staff will place a formal letter and an electronic signature form on next week’s agenda for the board’s record.

No formal disagreement or vote occurred; staff will file the electronic CRAB certification and prepare the Ecology delegation letter for formal agenda inclusion.","Public Works explained new electronic submission procedures for CRAB (RAP) levy certification and told the board an Ecology stormwater electronic signature delegation letter will appear on next week’s agenda. Commissioners agreed to have the chairman sign the electronic CRAB certification and the Ecology delegation forms as required.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Landfill gas-to-energy project remains stalled pending PUD–Ecology agreement, county officials say

Public Works outlines ambitious 2025 construction program, timelines and right-of-way process

Parks staff seek $13,000 for conceptual designs for Riverside ‘Legacy Park’ pump track and ADA playground upgrades

Cowlitz County staff recommend updating lease, invite Janice House to brief commissioners on youth day-stop program

County to submit CRAB levy certification electronically; Ecology signature delegation to appear on next agenda