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County staff say Lower Kittitas Reach project needs roughly $4 million more; joint Salmon Recovery grant filed
Summary
Kittitas County staff told commissioners the Lower Kittitas Reach Floodplain Reconnection Project has about $10 million secured but expects a roughly $14 million first-phase cost; staff filed a draft joint grant application with Mid‑Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group seeking about $7 million from the Salmon Recovery Funding Board and will return for formal ratification because of an agenda clerical error.
Arden Thomas, a Public Works staff member, told the Kittitas County Board of County Commissioners that the Lower Kittitas Reach Floodplain Reconnection Project has about $10 million secured while the first construction phase is expected to cost roughly $14 million, leaving an approximate $4 million gap. He said the project includes a major revegetation component and that the county is partnering with Mid‑Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group on restoration work.
Thomas described a proposed joint application to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board Targeted Investments program that was submitted as a draft. "The request would total approximately $7 million, with approximately $5.4 million for Mid‑Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group and approximately $1.6 million for Kittitas County," Thomas said. He asked the board to authorize filing the application form; because the item was not properly listed for action on the meeting agenda, Thomas and staff said they will bring the item back at a future meeting for the board chair’s ratification of the application signature.
Chairman Cory Wright asked whether there is a final grant deadline; Thomas said the deadline is June 22, 2026, and that a draft application had already been submitted the prior Friday. Joshua Fredrickson, Public Works staff, noted the Auditor’s Office will need to track funds between the two co‑applicants and that the entities would serve as co‑applicants with lead responsibilities transitioning as each completes its portion of the project.
The briefing did not include a formal vote or commitment of additional county funds; staff framed the draft application and the briefing as preparatory steps and indicated the board will see the item again for formal ratification and any decision on county funding.
Next steps: staff will return to the board with the formal ratification request for the grant application and any required agreements about co‑applicant responsibilities and budget commitments.
