Cowlitz County’s Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to a grant with Lower Columbia School Gardens that adds $75,000 and extends the contract through June 30, 2026.

Gina James, Health & Human Services, told the board the amendment aligns the contract with Foundational Public Health Services funding from the state. James said the county is uncertain what that funding will look like beyond the current extension and that staff will evaluate continuing support after the next legislative session.

Commissioners asked whether the county is the primary funder; James said the organization seeks other grants and private foundation support and the county is a significant but not majority contributor. One commissioner noted the organization’s overall annual budget was remembered to be about $600,000, and that the county’s $75,000 addition is a portion of its funding.

Speaker 4 moved approval of Amendment #1; the motion was approved by voice vote. Gina James thanked the board.