Wasco County approves Design‑Build exemption to revive Oak Ranch RV Park to protect $1M state grant

The Wasco County Board of Commissioners on April 22 adopted Resolution 26‑008, authorizing a Design‑Build solicitation for the Oak Ranch Revitalization Project and adopting Findings of Fact to exempt the work from traditional competitive bidding.

Administrative Officer Tyler Stone and Administrative Director Ali Postlewait told the board the project focuses on completing infrastructure at a partially built, approximately 48‑site RV park on the west end of The Dalles, formerly identified as the Burt Hodges property. Stone said about 70% of the project’s infrastructure is already in place and that the county is using the Design‑Build approach so design and construction teams can respond quickly to unknown underground conditions. “The primary objective of establishing the contracting method now is to demonstrate ‘due diligence’ and consistent momentum to the state,” Stone said, adding the step is intended to protect a $1,000,000 Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) grant that could be reallocated if the county does not show forward progress.

Why it matters: The county estimates the total project value at $1,884,900, with an $884,900 local match in addition to the $1,000,000 OPRD grant. Staff said the Design‑Build method will allow overlapping design and construction phases to meet a March 31, 2027 substantial completion deadline required by the grant and enable immediate adjustments when crews uncover unexpected conditions in existing utility corridors.

Project scope and siting: Staff described core elements as evaluation and major rehabilitation of existing water and electrical lines, installation of a new septic lift station and force main connection to the City of The Dalles, extension of a 265‑foot water service line to a County residence at 3875 Highway 30, and construction of a modern, ADA‑compliant restroom and shower facility. The packet lists a $600,000 budget line for the restroom and specifies Universal Design features and environmental sensors for leak detection.

Public concerns and county responses: During the public comment period, local resident Dick Schaffeld asked how ownership and revenue would be treated for tax purposes. Stone said if the county operates the facility directly the property would remain tax‑exempt and revenue would go to the General Fund; he said a privately leased facility could return to the tax roll depending on lease terms and state law and that the assessor and county attorney would need to review details.

Staff also addressed local inquiries suggesting the project was intended to create low‑income housing, which they rejected. Stone said the park will be restricted to short‑term stays with a 14‑day maximum under normal regulations and will not accommodate long‑term residents; he added that a formal emergency declaration would be necessary to extend stays during an emergency and that such an extended use would require separate permitting.

Archaeological and environmental safeguards: The board packet and staff emphasized the site is within a documented area of archaeological sensitivity. The adopted findings and the RFP require proposers to include a principal archaeologist eligible for Oregon SHPO permits and to provide on‑site archaeological monitoring during all surface‑altering activities. The county’s supplemental contract language requires immediate suspension of work within a 100‑foot radius if cultural materials are discovered and immediate stop of all work on the parcel if human remains are found, with required notifications to county planning, the Gorge Commission and tribal governments.

Procurement and next steps: Resolution 26‑008 authorizes the county to pursue an RFP for a Design‑Build team and to award the work in phases (design first, construction discretionary after evaluation of a Guaranteed Maximum Price). The RFP schedule included a mandatory pre‑proposal meeting on April 30, proposals due May 8, a notice of intent to award May 12, and an anticipated contract award at a May 20 BOCC meeting. Staff said the county may award Phase A (design and utility work) first and may decline Phase B (restroom construction) if permits, appeals, or costs make the second phase infeasible.

Board action: Vice Chair Philip L. Brady moved to adopt Resolution 26‑008; Commissioner Jeffrey L. Justesen seconded. The motion passed unanimously (Commissioners Scott C. Hege, Philip L. Brady and Jeffrey L. Justesen voting “yes”).

What remains: Staff said further work is required to finalize the sanitary connection design, produce reliable cost estimates, and complete remaining archaeological permitting. The county emphasized that today’s action established the contracting method, not a final commitment to award a construction contract.