Commissioners warn Last Chance Grade decision delay could push $180 million project back; commission considers short-term director contract extension
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Summary
Commissioners said the Last Chance Grade Record of Decision has been delayed by late state input and tribal mitigation discussions, risking a March agenda item tied to roughly $180 million; the commission also discussed extending the transportation director’s contract through an interim period to maintain continuity.
Commissioners raised concerns at their April 7 meeting that a delayed Record of Decision for the Last Chance Grade project — and last-minute input from state agencies — could defer planned funding actions and slow project progress, and they discussed near-term staffing options to preserve continuity at the commission.
Commissioner Howard told the commission he had been told the Record of Decision for Last Chance Grade, which was expected in December, has been delayed, in part because of late issues raised by the State Historic Preservation Officer and state parks. He said a memorandum of agreement drafted to provide mitigation to five tribes was part of the recent hold-up. Howard warned that the delay could push a planned agenda action connected with roughly $180,000,000 out of March and into at least August, and he urged continued pressure from state and federal representatives to resolve outstanding concerns.
Howard said he would continue working with elected officials and stakeholders and asked staff to remain engaged with the governor’s office and the secretaries of natural resources and transportation should further escalation be necessary. The commission did not take a formal vote on this matter during the meeting; Howard described it as a request for continued attention and advocacy.
Separately, commissioners discussed an impending staffing transition: the commission’s director contract is set to end in June. Members noted that a full recruitment and RFP process takes months and recommended an interim extension of the current contract while the commission prepares a competitive procurement. Staff confirmed there is budget authority to hire legal counsel to assist with contract review and that the matter could be placed on next month’s agenda for formal consideration.
Commissioners asked staff to coordinate timing carefully because fund and budget cycles differ before and after July 1; staff acknowledged the fiscal-year timing constraints and agreed to present options to the commission.
The commission concluded by reconvening and adopting the policy advisory committee’s actions and consent items, then adjourning to its next regular meeting on May 5 at 3 p.m.
