County authorizes grant applications for water projects and votes to close long-dormant capital projects

Washington County supervisors authorized staff to apply for state grant programs, including the Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) and a newly announced water-infrastructure grant (referred to as WIA in discussion), for several projects listed in the county’s capital improvement plan. The county’s presenter said four new projects were added for this cycle; applications are free and any award would be brought back to the board for acceptance.

“We have 4 new projects that got listed this year from our capital improvement plans… The WQIP is due in July, so I'd like to whatever projects I feel when you hit that bill, I'll apply for those,” the presenter said. The board voted to authorize staff to apply for grants and to pursue assistance from third-party entities that prepare grant applications at no cost.

The board also discussed closing older capital projects and returning residual funds to the county’s capital reserve. Staff identified a long-stalled storm-separation project (referred to in the transcript as F B 1 a or FB1a) that originated under earlier long-term control planning; work on the project slowed as its scope expanded and cost estimates increased from about $5.5 million to roughly $16 million. Staff said the state’s regulatory posture has shifted and, for now, the project is not required, leaving it appropriate to close the older capital project and return the money to capital reserve. Board members said the county can reestablish project funding if circumstances require it in the future.

Supervisors approved motions to authorize grant applications and to close the listed older capital projects; the chair called for ayes and the motions carried. Staff said they will prepare detailed finance paperwork and present the closures in the finance meeting for final accounting.