Board hears construction update on new school, bridge estimate and approves pipeline easement with Williams/TC Energy

District project manager Craig Baker updated the board on site investigations and design for the new school, saying geotechnical borings found expected site conditions and archaeological work was pending. Baker outlined a schedule: mass excavation bidding targeted for January 2027 and a building bid package by summer 2027, assuming permits are in hand by late October 2026 and pipeline relocations proceed as planned.

Board members then discussed the bridge that must be built as part of access. Staff described options to bid the bridge with other county bridge work and provided a prorated estimate near $1.66 million based on a comparable project; Baker cautioned that final costs will depend on detailed design, material prices and permitting (including a mussel survey for in-stream work).

The board considered a pipeline right-of-way and roadway easement/reimbursement agreement with Williams/Columbia Gas Transmission LLC (TC Energy) listed on the agenda with an estimated amount of $2,872,548. Staff explained that amount is a preliminary estimate that may change as engineering and bidding proceed. The board moved (Mrs. Nice), seconded (Mrs. Mitchell) and voted to approve the agreement unanimously. Staff clarified the combined Williams and Columbia easements would create an approximately 100-foot corridor for about 3,500 feet; heavy structures would be limited, but turf uses (fields), parking or temporary structures could be considered depending on line depths and constraints.