Chehalis council accepts Lewis County 0.09 grant and awards engineering contract for Market Boulevard water‑main project

The Chehalis City Council on April 13 accepted $484,615 in 0.09 distressed‑counties grant funding from Lewis County for design of the Market Boulevard water‑main replacement project and awarded engineering and design services to Gibson Olsen in an amount not to exceed $522,900.

Sheena (city staff) said the 0.09 grant covers most of the design cost for the “pinch‑point” project and that the grant requires no local match. The total estimated design cost is $498,000 plus a 5% contingency of $24,900; the city’s share to cover the gap will be $38,284 and will be included in a future budget amendment. The council voted to waive second reading and adopt Resolution No. 13‑2026 to accept the funds.

A project presenter (speaker 11) described the engineering scope: the work will replace an existing undersized 8‑inch main with approximately 5,100 linear feet of 16‑inch pipe, add new hydrants, valves and system connections to improve domestic water capacity and fire flow for South Market Boulevard between Southwest 11th and Southwest 21st and to the urban growth area. The presenter said the staff issued an RFP/RFQ, interviewed firms and recommended Gibson Olsen based on qualifications.

Councilmember (speaker 6) moved to award the design contract to Gibson Olsen for an amount not to exceed $522,900 (engineering $498,000 with a $24,900 contingency); the motion passed unanimously. The city manager is authorized to execute related project documents and change orders.

No opposing votes were recorded from the dais. Staff said the contract award and the 0.09 grant acceptance position the project to compete more effectively for future construction funding and allow the city to carry early costs that will later be reimbursed by larger grants.