> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 𖣑 Bridges, Broadband, and Behavioral Health - Klickitat BOCC October 2025 Recap - URL: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/bridges-broadband-and-behavioral-health-klickitat-bocc-october-2025-recap/ - Published: 2025-11-05T17:26:06.000Z - Updated: 2025-11-05T17:26:06.000Z - Description: Klickitat County commissioners covered critical public safety, health, and infrastructure updates in October, from 911 system planning and bridge repairs to rural health needs and a new Medicaid reentry initiative connecting jail healthcare with community care. - Author: Dispatch Squatch - Tags: Klickitat Board of County Commissioners, Klickitat County ## πŸ› Klickitat County Board of Commissioners ### Meetings of October 21 and October 28, 2025 --- ### **October 21 – Public Safety & Health Updates** **Emergency Communications Systems** Commissioners heard an update from Emergency Management on the aging radio and 911 phone systems. - The **public-safety radio network** continues to experience interference at mountain tower sites. - The **911 system**, installed in 2020, will lose vendor support in 2027; replacement planning is underway for 2027–28. - Staff are pursuing state and federal grants to offset costs. **Corrections Department – Fleet & Operations** - Approved purchase of a **2025 Ford Police Interceptor SUV** for inmate transport ($73,009, paid from the Vehicle Rental & Replacement Fund). - Commissioners stressed continued monitoring of **vehicle-maintenance inflation** and aging fleet safety risks. **Airport & Economic Development** Approved a joint funding agreement with the **City of The Dalles** for the **Columbia Gorge Regional Airport hangar expansion**, leveraging a $1.7 million Business Oregon grant and $180 k local match. --- ## πŸ₯ Klickitat County Community Health Needs Assessment 2026–2028 **Source:** Klickitat County Health Department, Skyline Health, and Klickitat Valley Health **Public Health & Community Health Needs Assessment** The Health Department previewed its **2026-28 Community Health Needs Assessment**, highlighting: - Rising **housing insecurity**, **behavioral-health shortages**, and **food insecurity**, especially east-county. - Continued **suicide and isolation rates** well above the state average. - Recommendation to expand **Community Health Worker programs** and **cross-agency coordination** with Skyline Health and KVH. ### Key Findings - **Suicide disparities:** The countywide suicide rate is **41.1 per 100,000**, with the Klickitat Valley Health (KVH) district reaching **71 per 100,000** \- nearly **five times the national average** (15.4). - **Income and health gaps:** Median household income is **$55,989** in the KVH district vs. **$79,718** in the Skyline Health district, a gap that mirrors differences in health outcomes and life expectancy. - **Child poverty and food insecurity:** Roughly **17% of Klickitat County children** live below the poverty line, with rising reports of food insecurity, particularly in east-county communities. - **Behavioral-health shortages:** The ratio of mental-health providers to residents is roughly **1:530**, compared to **1:200 statewide** \- contributing to long waits for care and crisis response strain. - **Social isolation:** Over **half of surveyed residents (53%)** said they feel socially isolated at least some of the time, increasing risk of depression and chronic health conditions. - **Housing insecurity:** Affordable housing shortages remain one of the top stressors on health and family stability countywide. ### Implications & Local Action The report paints a sobering picture of health inequities across Klickitat County, especially in lower-income and rural areas, but also outlines clear paths for improvement: - **Invest in connection and care:** Expand **Community Health Worker** programs and **Volunteer Connection** efforts that address isolation, senior support, and behavioral-health follow-up. - **Coordinate local services:** Improve cross-agency collaboration among **Klickitat County Health Department, Skyline Health, KVH, and regional nonprofits** to reduce duplication and reach underserved residents. - **Address root causes:** Recognize housing, food access, and transportation as critical β€œsocial determinants of health,” not separate from healthcare. - **Public engagement:** Residents can participate in the **Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP)** process, which will guide countywide health priorities over the next three years. *(Sources: Columbia Gorge News, WAGAP Needs Assessment 2024, Skyline Health, Klickitat County Health Department.)* --- ### **October 28 – Infrastructure & Planning Focus** **Bridge and Road Maintenance** Public Works reported progress on multiple bridge projects: - **Bundle 2 Bridge Repair** and **bearing replacement** projects now cleared by WSDOT for advertisement; five bridges will receive structural repairs. - **Wood Gulch Bridge (Project CRP-388)** will be fully reimbursed by a private renewable-energy firm that requires the route for transport access. - **Snowden Road Overlay** bids open Nov 12 for spring construction. Routine maintenance continues on **Roosevelt Grade ditching** and **east-county grading**. **Facilities & Snow Removal Contracts** Facilities staff discussed snow-removal bids for county properties. - Private contractors will plow **parking lots and the Pioneer Center** on an hourly basis, since the county lacks spare equipment and staff. - Contracts require cleared lots by 7 a.m. Mondays when county buildings reopen. **Planning Department – Solar Ordinance & GMA Update** The **Planning Commission** continued reviewing the **Solar and Battery Storage Ordinance**, though attendance was light at its last meeting. One commissioner recused for conflict of interest. - The Planning Department is finalizing the **Comprehensive Plan update work plan** and **public outreach strategy**. - Commissioners also approved a **Growth Management Act Periodic Update Grant (FY 2026)** from the state to fund this ten-year update. **Corrections Department – Medicaid 1115 Waiver** Approved hiring a **project manager** to administer the **Health Care Authority 1115 Medicaid Waiver** implementation. - The waiver integrates jail health services with community care post-release, aiming to reduce recidivism and emergency hospital use. - The position is fully grant-funded, with no county cost. **Senior Services & Volunteer Programs** The Board renewed the **Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities contract**, expanding the Volunteer Connection Program for social visits, respite care, and light home repairs (including weatherization and grab-bar installation). --- ### πŸ—“ Next Steps & Participation πŸ’» Join future meetings on Zoom: [https://us02web.zoom.us/j/586587651](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/586587651?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) πŸ“ž Dial-in: 1 (346) 248-7799 | Meeting ID 586 587 651 πŸ“¬ Submit written comments: [bocc@klickitatcounty.org](mailto:bocc@klickitatcounty.org) (before noon the day prior to be acknowledged).