Susan Eugenis, Cowlitz County engineer, told commissioners the county did not complete the 2025 capital program, which explains a large disparity between budgeted and spent capital funds.

Eugenis said South Cloverdale is a roughly $7 million project with about $6 million expected from external sources; the county has spent approximately $150,000 to date and expects the project to progress next year. She said Allender Road bridge replacement is grant funded and was awarded, and Tower Road/Rock Creek culvert work was delayed despite a $3 million mix of ARPA and state grant funds because of permitting and property sign delays.

Dyke Road reconstruction, estimated at about $5 million with $1.6 million in a specific grant source, has been delayed by repeated information requests from the U.S. Army Corps related to utility relocations; revised plans were submitted and the county awaits further Corps response. Eugenis traced a multi‑round permit and utility coordination process that has pushed the project schedule into 2026.

She also reported that Pleasant Hill Road (a FEMA project) remains pending because the county has not heard from FEMA; Barnes Drive is closed due to a suspected culvert failure and will receive geotechnical review, with preliminary cleanup potentially eligible for FEMA and final construction funding possibly coming from federal highways if the county qualifies.

Roads staff and finance presenters said timber tax collections and ARPA timing have contributed to recent fund balance growth and that unspent capital accounts for much of the near‑term cash balance. Commissioners asked questions about vacancies, PERS savings and the timing of reimbursements; staff said some 2026 savings reflect lower PERS rates and unfilled positions.

No final votes were recorded on capital amendments during this session; staff said they expect to return with project bids, final permits and budget amendment requests as projects proceed.