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Lewis County seeks funding to finish fairgrounds water work, resurfacing and 4‑H barn repairs
Summary
County staff asked legislators to help complete ongoing infrastructure improvements at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds: water‑line work previously paid with ARPA dollars, a new estimated $1 million to install proper drains and resurface the Midway, and remaining repairs to the 4‑H barn.
Lewis County staff briefed legislators on Oct. 21 about a cluster of capital needs at the Southwest Washington Fairgrounds, asking for help identifying grants and state programs to finish work started with earlier ARPA funding.
Fairgrounds staff and county facilities personnel said ARPA dollars enabled replacement of failing water infrastructure but that drainage, Midway resurfacing and remaining repairs to the 4‑H barn still need funding. An engineering estimate for Midway drainage and resurfacing was reported at about $1,000,000 but could change depending on subsurface conditions and utility conflicts discovered during excavation.
Matt Tannis, Lewis County capital facilities/infrastructure specialist, said the 4‑H barn had been repaired enough to be usable but required further work to meet grant scopes. Fairgrounds staff described safety hazards from recessed and broken cast‑iron drains and emphasized the need for a finished, durable surface for the Midway.
Legislators suggested state fair association grants, Commerce stormwater and public‑works board programs, and the upcoming local community project (LCP) application as possible funding sources. They recommended starting applications early in the supplemental cycle and combining multiple grant and loan sources to assemble full funding for the project.
County staff asked the delegation to help identify opportunities so REIT/ARPA and county capital funds do not have to fully cover remaining work.
