The Chehalis City Council meeting on August 11, 2025, focused on two significant infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing local facilities and services.

The first major topic was the acceptance of a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the development of the Northeast Apron at the Chehalis-Centralia Airport. The project, which is part of the airport's master plan, aims to expand aircraft parking to accommodate future growth in aviation activity. Before construction can begin, an environmental assessment will be conducted to ensure compliance with federal regulations. The total cost of the project is estimated at $247,531, with the FAA covering 95% of the expenses, amounting to $235,155. The city’s share will be 5%, or $12,376, funded through capital improvement funds, with no expected impact on the general fund. The council unanimously approved the acceptance of the grant and authorized the city manager to execute the necessary documents.

The second key discussion revolved around an engineering and installation services agreement for upgrades to the city’s potable water system. The existing control systems, installed in the 1960s, are outdated and prone to failure, which poses risks to the reliability of the water system. The council considered a proposal from Parametrics Inc. for engineering design and installation services, with a total project cost of $477,916.98, including a 10% contingency for unforeseen challenges. This amount exceeds the current budget by $57,916.98, necessitating an amendment to the 2025 budget, which will be addressed in a future meeting. The council moved to approve the agreement and authorize the city manager to execute related documents.

Overall, these projects reflect the city’s commitment to improving infrastructure and ensuring the reliability of essential services for its residents.