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County engineer warns NEPA delays and federal shutdown threaten $10 million in Skagit road projects
Summary
Skagit County’s engineer told commissioners that federal NEPA rule changes and a subsequent federal shutdown have delayed necessary approvals, jeopardizing grant obligation deadlines and putting about $10 million for projects such as Francis Road, Stevens Creek culvert and the Rosario roundabout at risk of not obligating by 2026 deadlines.
Tom Wyler, Skagit County engineer, told the Board of Commissioners on Nov. 10 that changes in federal NEPA rules in 2024 and a subsequent federal agency shutdown have delayed approvals for major road projects. He said the county had planned to obligate federal grants by federal deadlines but missed internal NEPA completion targets; as a result, several projects face narrow windows for obligation in April–September 2026.
Wyler used Francis Road Section 1 as an example: a biological-assessment requirement changed after May 2024 rule updates, prompting a new review process that the county’s consultant began in July 2024. The state review completed Sept. 29, 2025, but the ensuing federal shutdown halted federal-level actions. Wyler said that in combination with grant requirements the county now faces a "pretty narrow" likelihood of taking Francis 1 to construction next summer.
Wyler said the group of at-risk projects — Francis 1, Francis 3, Cook Bridal and the Rosario roundabout — combine for roughly $10 million in federal funding that must be obligated by either April 30, 2026 or by later 2026 deadlines. He said staff had requested a meeting with WSDOT local programs to clarify funding availability and next steps.
Commissioners expressed frustration but thanked staff for tracking the issues. Chair and other commissioners noted the cascading effects on capital planning and road-fund priorities and asked staff to continue pursuing coordination with state and federal partners.
No formal board action was taken on the NEPA discussion during the meeting; commissioners acknowledged the constraints and adjourned.
