Clark County mayors advocate for bridge funding and HUD community development plan

The Battle Ground City Council meeting on April 7, 2025, spotlighted urgent calls for regional transportation funding, particularly for a new bridge, as local leaders emphasized the necessity of securing financial support from state and federal sources. Mayor and council members expressed a unified stance, advocating for a letter to be sent to relevant authorities, urging them to prioritize funding for the bridge project amidst concerns of potential pushback on transportation initiatives.

Council members highlighted the critical nature of the funding discussions, noting that billions of dollars are currently being allocated for transportation projects. They stressed that without regional support, funding could be redirected elsewhere, jeopardizing local infrastructure needs. "We need to be in this funding source... we need to have funding from the state," one council member stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

In addition to the bridge funding discussions, the meeting featured a presentation from Rebecca Royce of Clark County Community Services, who outlined the ongoing five-year consolidated plan for community development. This plan aims to identify community needs and strategies for utilizing federal funds, including Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships funds. Royce emphasized the importance of community feedback in shaping the plan, which will address housing and infrastructure needs in the area.

The council's proactive approach to both transportation and community development funding reflects a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for Battle Ground residents. As discussions continue, the city aims to leverage available resources effectively to meet pressing community needs.