Columbia County commissioners authorized the chair on Sept. 15 to sign an amendment to the county’s Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP) contract K2609 with the Washington State Conservation Commission that adds an additional $40,000 for conservation capital-improvement projects.

Conservation district staff explained the amendment adds dedicated funding — set aside by the state award — that the district may use for capital or district-implemented conservation projects. The staff member said they had signed and returned the amendment but the state required a county signature to finalize the change.

Commissioner (name not stated) moved to authorize the chair to sign the contract amendment; the board voted unanimously in favor and the motion carried.

The board’s authorization enables the conservation district and county to proceed with planning and approval steps for capital projects supported by the amendment; staff said use of the funds will follow the VSP contract terms and any district project approval processes.

The county clerk will finalize the signature routing and return the amendment to the state.