Public Works seeks HSIP grant for Kokalum Road; department reports paving, striping and culvert projects and asks to accept hearing examiner's road-vacation

Public Works staff briefed the commissioners on a set of capital and maintenance items. Staff requested authorization to submit a Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant application to the Washington State Department of Transportation for Kokalum Road improvements — including paved shoulders and guardrail replacement — for an estimated project length (mileposts noted in design) and said if awarded and constructed before 2028 the grant would be 100% funded with no local match. Commissioners set a public hearing for Sept. 16 to adopt the 2026 annual construction program and six-year TIP. Public Works reported progress on striping (about 350 stripe miles completed), paving from Matt Walkdown to Schafer State Park, reset and raised culverts, upcoming chip-seal conversions and planned culvert work on Bear Creek to Ottawa with efforts to avoid road closures where possible. Staff also presented Road Vacation 424, told commissioners the hearing examiner recommended granting the vacation, that compensation of $1,540 had been paid, and that the segment did not connect to other public rights-of-way; commissioners signaled support to accept the hearing examiner's recommendation. The HSIP application outcome is expected in September; no formal votes were taken at the briefing.