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County approves emergency repairs to Barnes Drive, estimates $610,000 cost
Summary
Cowlitz County commissioners approved a resolution authorizing emergency repairs to Barnes Drive and set up a project to pursue FEMA and Washington state reimbursement; county engineer Susan Eugenis said the repair is expected to cost about $610,000 and staff will bring an emergency contract next week.
At its first regular public meeting of 2026, the Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners voted to authorize emergency repairs to Barnes Drive after a recent slope failure.
County Engineer Susan Eugenis told the board she and staff are establishing a project number and preparing emergency contracting to begin repairs "as soon as possible." "Were anticipating that this project will cost about $610,000," Eugenis said, and staff will submit paperwork to the Washington State Department of Emergency Management so the county can seek FEMA and state reimbursement if the damage meets eligibility thresholds.
Eugenis said the county is assembling an emergency contract for signature next week and noted that the local public utility district has removed a damaged power pole at the site and telecommunications infrastructure must be relocated before work can fully proceed. The resolution approved by the board authorizes staff to move forward with procurement and emergency contracting to repair the roadway.
Commission discussion focused on timelines and federal/state reimbursement processes rather than alternatives to repair; commissioners directed staff to complete the emergency contracting steps so work can begin when approvals are in place.
The action was approved by the board during the meeting; the recording reflects vocal approval when the chair called for a vote. Staff will return with contract documents and begin work after signatures and required relocations are complete.
