County public works staff told the Columbia County Board of Commissioners that the county’s Rural Road Safety Plan, prepared with consultant Skillings, is complete and may be placed on next week’s agenda for adoption. Staff said the plan includes an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) component and makes the county eligible for federal aid funding.

The plan’s proponents told the board they will prepare a one- or two-page resolution to change posted speed limits and will run a formal speed study to support any changes. Staff said the speed-limit proposal will require public notice and a public hearing. "We have to advertise it as public," a county staff member said during the discussion.

Staff described the final safety plan as a large file and said some elements are ready for immediate implementation: "pick up the low-lying fruit first, things that could be addressed right away to start making that transition," the staff member said. The ADA element, staff said, was reviewed and a draft was in hand in March.

Commissioners asked whether the board must adopt the plan formally; staff said they would check how nearby Whitman County handled adoption language and whether a boilerplate resolution is appropriate. The board did not take formal action at the meeting; staff said they would put the plan on next week’s agenda and follow up on advertising requirements for the speed resolution.

Public works staff also discussed related operational items such as delineator placement and striping that will accompany pavement work, but noted timing and durability questions remain. Staff said temporary markings may be used in areas still receiving blacktop, with final striping and seal coating planned for next year.

Next steps: staff will prepare the speed study and draft resolution, confirm public-notice requirements, and place the Rural Road Safety Plan on the board agenda for possible adoption next week. No adoption or vote occurred at this meeting.