Cowlitz County commissioners approve ClearZone grant, health contract amendment, a 10‑year water franchise and start condemnation for Allender Road culvert

The Cowlitz County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved several routine and project actions, including a planning grant, a public‑health contract amendment, a 10‑year nonexclusive franchise for Carroll’s Water Association, and initiation of condemnation proceedings to secure easements for a culvert replacement on Allender Road.

During the consent agenda, County Engineer Susan Eugene explained a $310,000 Washington State Department of Transportation ClearZone grant covers planning (project engineering/PE) work only and does not obligate construction within 10 years; the board approved the consent agenda on a voice vote. Shelly Pierce, the county’s risk and safety manager, also requested adding a resolution to expand the county’s delegates to the Washington Counties Risk Pool so the clerk of the board could act as an authorized communicator; the board added that item to consent and approved it.

Gina James, a health and human services representative, presented amendment number 6 to the county’s consolidated contract with the Washington State Department of Health. James said the amendment allocates foundational public health services funding to support non‑fee‑based communicable‑disease work and other local health jurisdiction responsibilities. Commissioner S7 moved to approve the amendment and the board adopted it by voice vote.

At a public hearing, Public Works staff presented a proposed nonexclusive franchise renewal for Carroll’s Water Association covering the Carrols/Rose Valley through Kingsbury service area. The association previously operated under long‑term franchise agreements dating to the 1970s; the new franchise is limited to 10 years to keep the term manageable and to help the utility qualify for certain grant programs. Legal review showed no issues, and the board voted to grant the 10‑year franchise.

Shortly afterward, the board opened a hearing on the Allender Road double‑box culvert replacement. Eugene said the structure, built in 1953, carries load restrictions and that construction funding was secured from the Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board: roughly 85% of expected construction funding with a 15% county match. Right‑of‑way negotiations have succeeded with all but one property; the remaining parcel is in probate and the county asked the board to authorize condemnation to clear title, acquire a permanent easement of about 4,494 square feet and a temporary easement of about 26,961 square feet to allow in‑water work and mitigation. Kenneth Williams, acting as special counsel for the project, told the board the outstanding issue is title clearing in probate rather than compensation. The board voted to initiate condemnation proceedings and direct the prosecuting attorney to proceed.

All motions noted in the record were approved by voice vote; the transcript does not list individual roll‑call tallies. The board recessed between hearings and adjourned after final calls for public comment.