Wasco County awards $2.57M Oak Ranch RV Park construction contract to Crestline; accepts $1M OPRD grant

Wasco County commissioners on Aug. 5 approved a $2,568,866 design-build construction contract with Crestline Construction LLC to revitalize Oak Ranch RV Park (Area 159), a project funded in part by a $1,000,000 Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) grant and an expected local match of at least $884,900.

Administrative Director Ali Postlewait said the County received notice in 2024 of the OPRD award but faced reallocation of funds unless the project reached shovel-ready status. After a competitive RFP, Crestline scored highest; the County issued a Notice of Intent to Award on June 12 and received no formal protests. The planned scope includes 48 RV sites, an expanded ADA restroom/shower facility, improved utilities (septic lift station/force main connection), landscaping, picnic areas and other amenities. The draft contract contains archaeological-monitoring protocols and an explicit archaeological discovery and notification process tied to SHPO and local tribal contacts.

Commissioner Justesen moved to approve the Crestline construction contract and to authorize the Chief Administrative Officer to approve necessary change orders; the motion passed unanimously.

Grant and pro forma details: OPRD has executed the $1 million grant; county staff and finance say the county’s only direct cash outlay during construction is the local match, and that the project expects operational savings by reducing general-fund maintenance for Area 159. Staff presented payback scenarios and noted options to stage amenities to alter payback timelines. The contract contains OPRD compliance clauses and prevailing wage and public-works bonding requirements.

Next steps: Staff will continue final contract negotiations, secure required archaeological monitoring and permits, and return the fully executed contract and schedule to the board for record.