Clark County councilors give support for Cowlitz Tribe roadway grant and Comcast broadband application

Clark County councilors on Jan. 22 signaled support for two draft letters asking for outside funding: one to back a Cowlitz Tribe transportation grant to install roadway-departure countermeasures and solar rapid-flashing-beacon crosswalk signs, and another to support Comcast’s application for state BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment) funding to extend fiber in an identified underserved project area.

Policy analyst Jordan Bogie briefed the council on the tribe’s application, saying the project would install guardrails, rumble strips, alignment warning signs and clearing to improve sight lines on Cowlitz Way and Northwest 401st Avenue, and would include 12 solar-powered rapid flashing beacon crosswalk signs at three crosswalks near a roundabout. Bogie said federal reviewers favor applications that demonstrate coordination with local governments and that a letter of support strengthens the tribe’s application.

On broadband, staff said Comcast will apply for state BEAD funds to help deploy fiber in Project Area 24 north of the East Fork of the Lewis River; the state would fund approximately 75% of the project while the private provider pays the remaining 25%. Councilors indicated they would provide letters if staff finalizes the drafts.

The council offered informal approval (thumbs-up) rather than a formal roll-call motion; staff said they would deliver the letters. Councilors asked staff to pass along additional support if the tribe or Comcast request it during grant application windows.

Ending: Staff will finalize and transmit the letters of support to the Cowlitz Tribe and Comcast; any formal funding commitments would be made later only if the council authorizes them.