[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-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],{"_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",6075638,"mediaKeyId","2979257-fedd2d344567f8ad980fc4dd6152c237","parentId",2979257,"title","Council splits on light‑rail funding; directs C‑Tran rep to restore 'no O&M' language","audioSeconds",120,"startMs",5324000,"endMs",5444000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979257-fedd2d344567f8ad980fc4dd6152c237&start=5324&end=5444","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979257-fedd2d344567f8ad980fc4dd6152c237/thumbnail_5324000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6075638/Washougal/Clark-County/Washington/Council-splits-on-lightrail-funding-directs-CTran-rep-to-restore-no-OM-language","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075638-b1bc464c37facfb22dd331ea4b1fd331/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026321&Signature=m-hZLhsUsVMaVVKf3UJwnX7w4C1FDYmtzOCR~Fdmb7sN70C9dX9cz4NRirgRoSqzqqKbS-XyU1EOnXwz2eRYc0OtnUslPJ8V6ckb-QKP5qqN1BJDOg9JTKib4LmMDLIrLP6tCWwgXCa91CqTZrM6vQN8jE2ysgVIZildADLOZLx1Um~HeKqHUgAWJllaT8V8-xYDoux7rJNZ3yXyAE5uJWhTWG7vYwbQpFkvqr3Gg1DjV3AzcTjcRonNd2RL-28mfPfeQKBfP7wfRC~SfG~l9~TTqiMCGcBr-u3JTZdNYR13gHC4OzsiHenRxGvGnW2n0D-KxrPkC5ANNq3713QjUQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Washougal City, WA","date","2025-02-24T00:00:00Z","article","The Washougal City Council spent a large portion of its Feb. 24 meeting discussing the Interstate Bridge replacement project and whether light rail should be part of the plan or funded locally.

City staff provided background on past ballot measures, regional polling and recent C‑Tran board actions. Staff noted that the modified locally preferred alternative adopted by regional partners in recent years included light rail, and that C‑Tran had originally conditioned its support by saying the agency would not be responsible for significant O&M costs. Late last year C‑Tran’s board voted to allow C‑Tran to consider participating in O&M funding, prompting renewed local concern.

Multiple residents addressed the council during public comment. William Carter, a Washougal resident, urged regional planning and said, \"We are part of the Portland Metropolitan Area and whether we want to admit it or not we are economically dependent on Portland.\" By contrast, Margaret Tweed, a caller on Zoom, urged caution on the bridge's light‑rail scope and argued traffic modeling and ridership forecasts needed revision.

Council members debated three broad options: take no action and continue to monitor the process; adopt a formal written resolution (like Camas did) opposing light rail; or adopt a narrower position urging the regional partners to find O&M funding sources other than C‑Tran sales tax. After discussion the council considered a motion to instruct its C‑Tran representative to ask the C‑Tran board to restore the previous language that C‑Tran would not assume light‑rail O&M costs.

Council member Michelle Wagoner moved the direction; a second was made. The council voted by roll call. The recorded votes were: Michelle Wagoner — yes; Molly Koesten — no; Ernie Russell — no; Council member Suggs — yes; Mayor Stevie — yes; Council member Fritz — yes; Council member Robertson — yes. The motion passed 5–2. Council members said the action was intended to restore the prior C‑Tran position limiting C‑Tran’s exposure to light‑rail O&M costs while continuing to support a bridge replacement.

Council members and the mayor emphasized they did not want to delay the bridge project altogether but expressed concern about long‑term O&M obligations being shifted onto local transit revenue streams. Several council members asked staff to explore a statistically valid local survey and to monitor C‑Tran, RTC and IVR project milestones. One council member said she would prefer a formal resolution opposing light rail, but others cautioned that changing the locally preferred alternative at this late stage could jeopardize federal and state grant applications.

The council did not adopt a city resolution tonight that outright excludes light rail; instead it provided direction to its regional representative and flagged an upcoming C‑Tran board agenda (March 11) where that language will be considered. Staff said they will return with options for local outreach and any recommended formal statements after C‑Tran’s March meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City Council Meeting of February 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Washougal City Council voted 5–2 on Feb. 24 to direct its C‑Tran board representative to seek restoration of language that C‑Tran would not pay operations and maintenance costs for light rail on the Interstate Bridge replacement project.","taxTitle","Washougal, Clark County, Washington","taxId",54092,"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},6075642,"Council accepts $22.6 million Ecology loan for biosolids project; project underway",287,4992000,5279000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979257-fedd2d344567f8ad980fc4dd6152c237&start=4992&end=5279","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979257-fedd2d344567f8ad980fc4dd6152c237/thumbnail_4992000.jpg","/articles/6075642/Washougal/Clark-County/Washington/Council-accepts-226-million-Ecology-loan-for-biosolids-project-project-underway","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075642-e2bfe97676f8c6b70d84742f93393940/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026321&Signature=U8b6eFheRs8BzFDEaLJ3VO6ce2Pj5rjg5FEi5EVpXOu-6N9H-99BX7rje89qoXVT3BQ0tIYrZXn6ohLCdSv-ISI6K-Q~texTLSuWT9KA-3ZKj8MbU3pv6eiR~ZQT5RTHMBQDSCIvUWQAoEhWxXLgZz8FX-oG2FTnn0pH~GLWo4~AOmEHJYqXt4FfSXgWnzbuLLfpa5rHm0Kr6GGR8ihaFwwHrcZuSZl3YAEizUBNvq~WDcHDT~nhiSRys96fFtzBkDosyg0V6KlUuncOZNeStPFGnwdKv~~YW-FZ-kDlKKndcsrMs3D1nyfuKGCyRlJR1mgn9M10kid0M0e9aaZItw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washougal City Council passed a resolution on Feb. 24 formally accepting a $22,564,700 subsidized low‑interest loan from the Washington State Department of Ecology to support the biosolid handling facilities project.

Scott Collins, city engineer, told the council the total project budget is $34,564,700. The financing package includes the Ecology loan (at 1.6% interest), approximately $11,000,000 from the city’s wastewater fund (system reserves/ratepayer funds) and two congressional EPA appropriations of about $1,000,000 each in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. Collins said the Ecology loan program and low interest rate are saving the city “millions of dollars” compared with conventional borrowing.

The project is under construction; Collins said expected completion is in 2027 and that project repayment and debt service were included in the rate study the council recently adopted. He described the Ecology loan as competitively awarded and said the city ranked highly in the application process.

Council members praised staff for securing the funding. Mayor Stevie and other council members said the low‑interest loan and matching funds will reduce the burden on future rate payers. The council voted to accept the loan; members present voted in favor and the motion carried unanimously.

Scott Collins and staff said construction is underway and that additional grant opportunities are being pursued for related infrastructure projects. The council packet contains the funding breakdown and the loan documents required by Ecology.

The resolution directs staff to finalize loan acceptance and continue project oversight; future council agenda items will include construction updates, change orders and any required budget amendments.","Washougal council passed a resolution formally accepting a $22,564,700 low‑interest loan from the Washington Department of Ecology to fund the city's biosolid handling facility; total project budget is roughly $34.6 million with additional funds from the wastewater fund and congressional appropriations.",{"_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},6075647,"Council approves 15-year Pendleton development agreement, drawing mixed public comment",3357,1415000,4772000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979257-fedd2d344567f8ad980fc4dd6152c237&start=1415&end=4772","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979257-fedd2d344567f8ad980fc4dd6152c237/thumbnail_1415000.jpg","/articles/6075647/Washougal/Clark-County/Washington/Council-approves-15-year-Pendleton-development-agreement-drawing-mixed-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075647-c29fabbb77a507df7bcc6c8c3b93dc80/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026321&Signature=aJ3NcZtlxJQi-mC6wJrlmCuPbcQFqoItm1UB7A2doLa8izuCBWl9QcuBDmE2c3UQVjbYxglpAlLtz~xzCyW8Pu54hd3B102RrHrOJ-vtLs6jYsnMtmGCh~np3Obu21PwQDD-ZSlBzTLl9~DGQ1Tk7YirhisZqLcVqa7mxE19s3pgDgadTzCqAlh3yXeOIH20iTfU4jVWiEFfnLLdUz-R1uM471wXg5T~QS0JVazBK6rFi~kLHkjdBISYJNyroVRRKY7XU~4LACNB6lOQTtZvtabtOyhsAgmEnmP4p1olz14UJ8KNE6yICvCYLAQMs5QYO7-vheOs8jdU~KcO1r16yQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washougal City Council on Feb. 24 approved an ordinance to pass, post and publish a 15‑year development agreement with Pendleton Mills that establishes a conceptual master plan for the Pendleton property near SR 14.

The agreement sets development “sideboards” and vesting to current zoning, anticipates up to 781 residential units and roughly 191,000 square feet of office and 175,000 square feet of retail, and requires transportation improvements and proportionate‑share payments tied to thresholds in the city’s transportation work. The council approved the ordinance by voice vote; the motion carried and the ordinance will be posted in the usual manner.

The development agreement is intended to give both the city and the property owner predictability on likely uses and infrastructure requirements. City staff said future, site‑level applications (site plan, short‑plat/subdivision) must still complete required regulatory reviews, including biological delineations, wetland and shoreline permitting, and SEPA review as needed.

Randy Prince, who identified himself as representing Pendleton, told the council the master plan is conceptual and “creates predictability both for the city and for the property owner or the developer as to what's gonna go there.” He said no ground‑disturbing construction can occur before subsequent site‑specific approvals: “Nothing can occur out there. Pretty much couldn't turn over a spade of dirt and certainly nothing can get built before a development application for site plan approval comes through the city.”

Public commenters urged caution and more study. William Carter, a Washougal resident, urged the city to plan regionally — including transit links — because \"We are part of the Portland Metropolitan Area and whether we want to admit it or not we are economically dependent on Portland.\" Several others asked the council to preserve open space on the south side of SR 14, raised questions about the privately owned Pendleton parking lot and potential loss of community ball fields, and asked about impacts to schools, police and fire.

City staff summarized public notices and comment: property owners within 500 feet were mailed notice on Jan. 7, 2025, and re‑noticed on Jan. 21, 2025; a SEPA mitigated determination of nonsignificance (MDNS) was issued Feb. 6, 2025. Staff also relayed comments received from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. WSDOT asked that roundabout analyses use its Sidra/CDRA modeling; staff said the agreement was modified to require compliance with WSDOT modeling and allows the city to adjust proportionate‑share obligations if that model shows greater impacts.

Council members emphasized the long horizon for the plan and that the agreement sets a framework, not immediate approvals. Council members and staff noted sidewalks and pedestrian facilities will be required as part of future development consistent with downtown standards, and that any private wetlands, habitat or shoreline impacts would be subject to permits and mitigation during site‑level review. Several commenters asked about a small, privately operated wastewater pretreatment facility on the site; staff said that facility is not city‑owned and that removal or decommissioning would depend on future proposals and market factors.

The council also debated the multifamily property tax exemption (MFTE) component tied to the agreement; one council member said she wanted a broader public discussion about MFTE policy before extending vesting periods tied to it. The council nonetheless voted to pass the ordinance that publishes the development agreement in the usual manner.

Pendleton representatives said they will continue to work with city staff on traffic modeling and site‑level details as proposals come forward. Future development applications must demonstrate compliance with the city’s codes for parking, stormwater, utilities, critical areas and other standards.

Details included in the development agreement and public record will be available on the city’s project page and in the council packet for this meeting.","The Washougal City Council voted to pass and publish an ordinance approving a 15‑year development agreement with Pendleton Mills that outlines a conceptual master plan for mixed-use redevelopment along SR 14 and the waterfront; speakers raised concerns about open space, wetlands, parking and contaminated soils.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council splits on light‑rail funding; directs C‑Tran rep to restore 'no O&M' language

Council accepts $22.6 million Ecology loan for biosolids project; project underway

Council approves 15-year Pendleton development agreement, drawing mixed public comment