Kennewick seeks federal funds for PFOS treatment and boulevard; city weighs options on Columbia Park conveyance
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Summary
City leaders told the council they are pursuing a $3 million congressional earmark for PFOS treatment and a $5.2 million request for Columbia Center Boulevard widening while negotiating federal conveyance options for Columbia Park that hinge on public‑benefit definitions and potential fair‑market considerations.
City Manager Erdman updated the council on recent federal meetings in Washington, D.C., where city representatives sought congressional support for local infrastructure and environmental projects.
Erdman said the city requested $3,000,000 as a congressionally directed spending request for a PFOS treatment facility and $5,200,000 for Columbia Center Boulevard widening. She described the federal conversations as productive but noted several unresolved questions about conveyance mechanics for Columbia Park, a 70‑acre property the city has long sought to transfer from federal ownership.
Why it matters: A successful earmark would reduce local capital needs for a large PFOS treatment project the city estimates at roughly $33,000,000 (Erdman cited a $3,000,000 request toward a project she described as a $33,000,000 undertaking). More broadly, how the federal government defines "public purpose" in any conveyance will determine whether parcels can transfer at no cost or whether some transfers would require payment of fair market value.
Fair market value and public‑benefit questions: Erdman told the council the city has tracked roughly $45,000,000 in prior capital and maintenance investments on the Columbia Park site and is pressing committee staff for clarification on whether those investments would be recognized in federal fair‑market calculations. She said that if portions of the property are to remain for public benefit, a no‑cost transfer could be possible, but that portions intended for future commercial disposal would likely require a fee.
Council direction and litigation discussion: Councilmembers asked whether the city should pursue legal recovery from manufacturers for PFAS/PFOS remediation costs; staff confirmed prior registration for potential litigation and said they are following developments while continuing to pursue earmarks. The city will continue to negotiate legislative language to preserve flexibility on conveyance timing and parcel designation.
Ending: Staff said they will continue working with congressional offices, committee staff and tribal partners to refine the scope and language of federal requests and will return to council if and when further action—such as a decision about parcel designations or additional funding paths—is necessary.
