Planning commission recommends Clallam County 6‑year transportation program; two fish‑passage culvert projects added

Clallam County Public Works updated the Board of County Commissioners on the county’s draft six‑year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for 2026–2031 during the Oct. 13 work session. Staff said the Trails Advisory Committee recommended TIP approval, emphasizing Olympic Discovery Trail projects, and the Planning Commission voted 7–1 to recommend approval while adding two fish‑passage culvert replacement projects on the CQ Road to the TIP’s list of unfunded projects at the request of the North Olympic Lead Entity for Salmon.

Public Works staff said the inclusion of fish‑passage projects in the TIP’s unfunded list improves the projects’ eligibility for grant funding because many funders prefer projects listed in a local transportation plan. The department also noted it had corrected naming and ID errors on several culvert projects after receiving comments from the lead entity.

Staff described outreach plans for public review, including presenting the TIP at upcoming budget town halls and three public meetings (Port Angeles, Sequim and Forks). Public comment received prior to the Planning Commission hearing was included in the commissioners’ meeting packet. A public hearing on the TIP update is scheduled for Nov. 4.

Commissioners asked about coordination with outside agencies on projects delivered by others (for example, federal lands or other local agencies). Staff said they coordinate review and input for projects delivered by external partners and track those projects in the TIP for public process visibility.

Next steps: Staff will bring the TIP to a public hearing on Nov. 4 and return with any revisions and a recommended adoption schedule after public comment closes.