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Franklin County to notify tribes before HAPO Center HVAC work under state rule
Summary
County administrator told commissioners that federal- or state-funded HVAC work at the HAPO Community Center requires notification to the Department of Archaeological and Historical Preservation and federally recognized tribes, triggering a 30-day waiting period before invoicing can begin; commissioners gave consensus to send the notice.
Franklin County officials agreed May 7 to send a required tribal notification before beginning an HVAC upgrade at the HAPO Community Center, a step county staff said is required by state direction for projects that use public funds.
The notification requirement stems from Governor’s Executive Order 21-02, and, according to County Administrator Brian Danzel, “any entity receiving funds must notify the Department of Archaeological and Historical Preservation. Under governor's executive order number 21-02, any entity receiving funds must notify the federally recognized Indian tribes that may be affected.” He told commissioners the county is under contract with the Department of Commerce for the appropriation earmarked for the HVAC upgrade and that a 30-day waiting period follows tribal notification during which the county may not invoice for the work.
Why it matters: the requirement pauses project billing and work until the 30-day period ends without objection, which affects the county’s project schedule and cash flow. Commissioners and staff emphasized the county’s need to comply with the legal requirements for receiving the Commerce funds before invoicing can begin.
What the board did: Danzel presented the draft notification letter to the Spokane and Colville tribes. Commissioners voiced support and provided consensus for staff to send the notification and proceed with the grant process. Danzel said the letter must be sent before the county can invoice; if no objections arrive during the 30-day period the county can start invoicing and move forward with the project.
Public reaction and context: A member of the public later questioned the need to notify a tribe located about 25 miles away. Danzel replied that the requirement applies when state or federal funds are used and stems from state law and the governor’s executive order; he said the county must comply to receive the funds. The board and staff noted the notification process has expanded in recent years and that the county is legally bound to follow it.
Next steps: staff will send the tribal notification letter and wait the statutorily directed 30 days before invoicing; commissioners approved sending the notice by consensus and asked staff to continue work to finalize the HVAC procurement and construction schedule once the waiting period elapses.
