Public Works lists multiple projects: Toutle wastewater upgrade, guardrail repairs and South Cloverdale easement renewals

Susan Egenus, county engineer, and Sean Roehrig of Public Works summarized a set of agenda items and project statuses for commissioners.

Egenus said 12 items (12a–12s on the agenda) are extensions of temporary construction easements needed for the South Cloverdale Road project and that most easements are signed; construction drawings and specifications are with Washington State Department of Transportation for final approval. She said the county is ready to call for bids once those approvals are received.

Public Works posted a call for bids for the Toutle Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement Project; bids will open Feb. 5 at 1:30 p.m. The project includes replacement of oxidation‑ditch aerators, upgrades to chlorine tank and chemical feed systems, a new effluent pump station, a new flow meter, standby generator installation and electrical upgrades. Sean Roehrig said the engineer’s estimate is about $1.6 million and the work is partially ARPA‑funded with remaining costs from the Water/Sewer Capital Reserve Fund.

Roehrig also presented annual procurement items: a bid award list for culverts and drainage supplies (awarded to multiple vendors for as‑needed purchases) and an equipment rental list (also awarded to multiple vendors). He described a unit‑price bid award for guardrail installation to repair posts, end sections and damaged rail across the county; the lowest bid came in about $160,000 below the engineer’s estimate and the recommended award is approximately $460,310.

Commissioners asked about sewer capacity for growth with respect to Toutle; staff said the plant is not at capacity now and should be serviceable “10–20 years” under current projections but would require expansion if development accelerates.

Public Works also discussed localized road issues: Wilkinson Road is a narrow, steep‑slope road serving roughly 10 lots and is not on the six‑year plan; widening would be a substantial project (staff estimated it could exceed $1 million). Staff said Riderwood residents reported log‑truck noise coming from a route that starts in neighboring Lewis County, and noted the county’s jurisdictional limits — state routes and neighboring county roads would need coordination for any traffic changes. Finally, staff said a bridge repair will go to bid in February with construction expected during a single construction season (estimated completion in November–December of the same year).

Ending

Staff will bring finalized bid documents and any remaining easement signatures forward; commissioners asked to be notified when bids open and requested follow‑up on neighborhood traffic and bridge timelines.