Clallam County heritage board OKs 2026 grant timeline and press release; applications due Dec. 8

The Clallam County Heritage Advisory Board voted unanimously to approve the timeline and public notice for the 2026 heritage grant cycle and authorized staff to issue the press release immediately after the meeting.

The timeline approved calls for a Dec. 8 deadline for applications, attorney review of applications from Dec. 8 through Jan. 21, posting of the board agenda and attorney comments around Jan. 29, board review of applications at the Feb. 2 meeting, and transmission of the board's recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners for a resolution on Feb. 17, after which staff will follow up with contract work for successful applicants.

Lonnie, a county staff member, summarized the schedule: "The proposed timeline is to issue the press release and notice, immediately after today's meeting. Application's due on December 8. And then from December 8 to January 21, the prosecuting attorney's office will review applications for eligibility." The board asked clarifying questions about outreach and eligibility before voting.

Members discussed how the county notifies potential applicants. Staff said the county uses legal notices in the newspaper, posts information on the county website and maintains an email list of people who have asked to be notified. "We keep, maintain an email list of people who have asked to be notified about upcoming funding application calls," staff said, and invited members to submit names and contact information to be added.

Board members also asked whether owners of properties listed on state or federal historic registers would receive direct notice. Staff and members noted the county does not have an active local register but pointed to the State Historic Preservation Office and the Washington Trust as resources. Staff explained that eligibility depends on the project and ownership: some properties owned by another government entity (for example, Coast Guard property) were not eligible until ownership transferred or nonprofit/government applicants were involved.

At the meeting a motion to approve the proposed timeline passed without opposition. A second motion to approve the press release as drafted also passed unanimously.

Board members were reminded that written application materials explain eligible project types (for example, markers, exhibits, educational programs or restoration projects that meet the grant guidelines) and that staff will forward incumbents' reappointment requests and any new board applications to the Board of County Commissioners in December for appointment or reappointment decisions.