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County races to apply for geomorphic assessment of Lower Toutle and Cowlitz Rivers; DEM to administer if approved
Summary
County staff outlined a time‑sensitive state grant (NOFO) for a geomorphic assessment of the Lower Toutle and Lower Cowlitz Rivers, due July 17; awards expected Aug. 24, all work must finish by June 30, 2027, and the county may designate DEM as the project lead to meet procurement deadlines.
Susan Eugenis said staff prepared a draft grant application for a state program created in the recent legislative session to fund geomorphic assessments for counties that experienced flooding. The assessment would model sediment loads, identify hot spots, and produce an 'atlas' to prioritize projects such as dredging and bank stabilization.
"This is due on the 17th," Eugenis said, urging a decision on who would be the project contact and who would manage procurement. She said award notifications are expected Aug. 24 and the program requires work to be completed by June 30, 2027. The NOFO limits awards to a maximum of $300,000 per county with $2,000,000 total available.
Eugenis warned the schedule is tight: the county would need to run procurement and select a consultant in parallel with the grant submission to meet the turnaround. She proposed that Cowlitz County's Department of Emergency Management (DEM) be listed as the county applicant and project manager and said she would coordinate procurement, work with DEM and county procurement staff, and bring a consultant selection to the board in September for signature if the award is made.
Commissioners discussed whether the study could assist Corps of Engineers work and whether the state allows extensions; Susan said the study could potentially inform federal studies but she would confirm extension policies.
Eugenis concluded she would finish the application, list DEM as the contact, and proceed with a compressed procurement timeline if the board agrees.
