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Board approves Fish Hook Park Road grant award; public works to pursue bid alternates
Summary
The board approved using economic-development sales tax funding for the Fish Hook Park Road project (Milepost 0—1.4) and asked public works to include bid alternates (overlay vs full rebuild) and a limited concrete section near high-turning points to extend pavement life.
Walla Walla County commissioners unanimously approved a grant to Public Works using the county's portion of the 0.9% economic-development sales tax to support the Fish Hook Park Road project from milepost 0 to 1.4.
County Engineer Joel Dickerson explained the plan, which includes a bid alternate that would overlay and widen the first 4,000 feet rather than fully remove and rebuild that segment. He said the design keeps a concrete surfacing option in a high-turning, heavy-truck area near a packing facility. "That turning movement is damaging the road," a commissioner observed, and Dickerson said a concrete turnout there could improve longevity.
The Port had previously approved a $200,000 commitment contingent on the county's approval; with the board's vote the project can proceed to bid with both rebuild and overlay alternates, allowing the county to select the most cost-effective approach once bids are returned and other grant opportunities (National Highway Freight Program, redistributed MPO funds) are clearer.
The board also approved an ordinance updating speed limits and an interlocal agreement to join the TIPS purchasing cooperative to reduce materials costs; both passed unanimously.
What happens next: Public Works will advertise bids with alternates, coordinate with the port and pursue additional grant funds. Commissioners asked for continued reporting on project scope and funding.
