Walla Walla County commissioners on Monday authorized the chair to sign a reimbursable community outreach fund agreement with the Fort Walla Walla Museum to support preservation work on the museum’s historic train.

Commissioners said the agreement is a reimbursable contract: the museum will spend project funds and submit receipts for reimbursement from the county outreach fund. Commissioner Clayton asked staff to verify the remaining outreach fund balance; staff said the fund is drawn down and additional distributions would be limited unless further funds are allocated during budget.

Commissioners noted the late local contribution of Dwight Steffens (named in the meeting) to the train project and offered condolences on his fatal plane crash; colleagues described Steffens as a local business owner who provided substantial volunteer work for the museum project. The board approved the agreement 3-0.