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County-selected RCO grant will fund $550,000 for Riverside Park; county needs roughly $250,000 match
Summary
Staff said Cowlitz County was selected for about $550,000 from the Recreation and Conservation Office for Riverside Park legacy projects; staff expect to use dredged-spoil sale revenue and other sources to meet an approximate 50% match and said they are short roughly $250,000.
Cowlitz County staff told commissioners the county was selected for a Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant of approximately $550,000 to advance legacy projects at Riverside Park. The grant carries a required local match that staff estimated at roughly 50 percent; staff said they expect to secure about $300,000 from a dredged-spoil sales contract at the Cook Ferry site but currently anticipate a shortfall of about $250,000.
Staff said proceeds from sales of dredged spoils have statutory constraints and must be applied to parks-related work. The county’s contract with JL Stordahl sets minimums for spoil sales; staff said they had anticipated higher sales than realized and are exploring other funding options including interfund loans, general fund transfers, and additional grants.
Staff described Riverside Park as a low-lying park behind a dike with opportunity to integrate stormwater features and build out legacy amenities. The total project investment staff cited is approximately $1.1 million.
Why it matters: the grant award secures a significant portion of funding for park improvements but requires local matching funds and interagency coordination to proceed.
Next steps: staff said they will work with finance staff (Kathy and Sean) to identify match funding options, consider interfund loans or other sources, and will report back with updates to the board.
