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Clark County councilors agree to draft letter supporting Western Forest Products’ USDA grant bid amid questions about backing a for‑profit
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Summary
Council agreed to prepare a time-sensitive letter of support for Western Forest Products’ Department of Agriculture wood-innovation grant application, with staff to edit the draft into a council letter. A county attorney advised such endorsements are sometimes used for private entities with public partnerships and do not necessarily create liability.
Council reviewed a late request from Western Forest Products asking for a letter of support for a U.S. Department of Agriculture wood-innovation grant to fund fabrication equipment for mass-timber production.
Staff (Jordan) said the company seeks federal help to expand capacity for smaller-diameter timber and that the grant application was due April 20; councilors agreed the draft letter should be edited to read as a council endorsement rather than an individual's letter.
"They are seeking a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, for their wood innovations grant," Jordan said, describing the project as a way to increase local fabrication capacity for mass timber.
One councilor noted the county has not typically written letters supporting for-profit grant applicants and raised concern about precedent. Amber Smith, civil deputy prosecuting attorney, advised the council on legal context: some Commerce and USDA programs permit private entities to receive funds when partnering with government or receiving endorsements, and such endorsements do not necessarily create additional county liability.
"It doesn't necessarily put additional liability or concerns on us," Amber Smith said, while noting jurisdictions commonly endorse grants when there is a public benefit or partnership element.
Councilors expressed general support for the letter given potential local economic and sustainability benefits, and directed staff to revise the draft so it reads as a council letter; Jordan said he would check the draft for alignment with council direction before sending.
Next steps: staff will revise the draft to be from the council and confirm final language prior to submission.
