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County facilities update: permitting delays push courthouse work into 2025; staff cite January start for infrastructure
Summary
Facilities director Gary Stockoff told commissioners the county’s major construction projects are progressing but awaiting signed MOAs and permits; staff said infrastructure work is scheduled to begin Jan. 6 and project completion is now projected in late summer 2026.
Facilities director Gary Stockoff briefed the Benton County board on several capital projects the county has been tracking as part of what he called the 'big 3.'
Stockoff said one project described in the packet is under construction and will be ready for tours in coming weeks. He told the board that staff are still working through permitting and final plat processes with Corvallis and other permitting agencies, and that the memorandum of agreement for an on‑site partnership had been routed to the Corps’ representative and a colonel for signature and that the county is awaiting their return of the signed MOA. "Once that is done, then the court can release that permit and goes back to Corvallis," Stockoff said.
Staff said certain development agreements requested by the city were consolidated at the city’s request, and consultants (OTEC, DLR and Hoffman) are helping the county provide the information the city needs. Stockoff told the board staff anticipate an infrastructure start date of Jan. 6 and that, because some contingencies and winter work have been planned for, the overall completion dates have moved to late summer 2026.
Commissioners asked about winter activity and whether crews could start utility work and bring in base rock; Stockoff replied that although heavy dirt work may wait until dryer weather, there is work that can proceed over winter (utility and base work) and that the county’s contractor team has been patient and helpful in navigating the permitting pauses. A commissioner noted the schedule was an "improved schedule," and staff said that if the county does not have a permit returned by the end of the week they will prepare a plan B.
Next steps: staff will continue to track MOA signings and permit releases, coordinate with consultants and follow up with permit authorities; commissioners indicated they look forward to a groundbreaking once permits are secured.
