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County approves DAHP grant agreement and matching funds for courthouse masonry and handrail work
Summary
Wallowa County authorized the chair to sign a grant agreement with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation to fund masonry restoration on the courthouse, including handrail work and a planned roof replacement; staff said the grant is roughly $1.9 million and described required county matching.
Wallowa County commissioners voted Nov. 24 to authorize the chair to sign a grant agreement with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) to continue masonry restoration work on the county courthouse.
Facilities Director Rob told the board the work includes masonry repair on the rear and sides of the courthouse, replacement of a failing roof, and installation of a historically‑sensitive handrail to improve access while preserving character. He said scaffolding will be visible during active work and described careful placement of handrail posts to avoid damaging historic marble.
Rob described the grant as "almost a, I believe it's $1,900,000" and said the county expects to put additional funds toward the project (comments referenced county contributions as "approximately 2,500,000.0" in the discussion). He said the handrail and roof work will be phased and that the handrail portion could be addressed within about two months for mock‑ups and approvals.
Commissioners praised the preservation effort and noted that the project positions the county for additional restoration funding and helps maintain access to services at the courthouse. The board approved the authorization for the chair to sign the DAHP grant agreement (motion carried 3–0).
What’s next: Facilities will manage scaffolding and construction sequencing; county staff will finalize grant paperwork and matching‑fund commitments and coordinate public notifications about short‑term impacts to courthouse access.
