🌿 Grants, Patrols & Fireworks: Skamania Commissioners’ Busy Week– August 12, 2025
From new funding for wildlife habitat to summer patrols at Swift Reservoir, the August 12 BOCC meeting tackled conservation, public safety, transit, and even fireworks for the fair. Catch up on the key decisions and how they’ll shape services in Skamania County.
From housing and health funding to habitat restoration and fireworks at the fair, commissioners tackled a full agenda this week.
đź“ť Consent Agenda Highlights
Health & Housing Support
- đź’Š Approved HealthConnect Pathways funding to improve coordination of local health resources.
- 🏠Amended Dept. of Commerce contract to add funds for homeless housing expenses.
- 🏥 Updated Dept. of Health contract to adjust the scope of public health work.
While not much is mentioned in the consent agenda on the specifics of the Dept of Commerce contract, we recommend you check out Skamania County Community Health – Housing Programs for more information. This department manages local homeless prevention, rapid rehousing, and emergency shelter services, often using Washington State Department of Commerce grant funds.
Justice & Safety
- ⚖️ Extended Dept. of Corrections agreement under the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA) program.
- 🚤 Accepted patrol funding from PacifiCorp for Swift Reservoir, Swift Campground, and Northwoods.
- 🏚 Authorized materials purchase for jail roof interior repairs.
The PacifiCorp patrol funding item for Swift Reservoir, Swift Campground, and Northwoods prompted conversation about seasonal law enforcement needs in recreation areas. Commissioners talked about visitor impacts, enforcement capacity, and how these funds help offset county costs during peak summer use.
Transportation
- 🚍 Approved WSDOT operating and capital grants for Senior Services transit for 2025–2027.
The WSDOT Senior Services Transit Program provides operating and capital funding to help rural and small urban communities run accessible transportation services for older adults, people with disabilities, and others who have limited mobility or no access to a personal vehicle. In Skamania County, these funds support Skamania County Senior Services in operating its public van routes, dial-a-ride service, and out-of-county medical trip programs, as well as maintaining or replacing vehicles and equipment.
Conservation & Habitat
- 🌿 Agreement with Dept. of Ecology for Washington Conservation Corps projects.
- 🦌 Award from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for the Skamania County Wildlife Forage & Habitat Enhancement Project.
- 🌾 Agreement with WA Dept. of Agriculture for knotweed control.
Commissioners and staff spent time reviewing the details of incoming grants, particularly the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation award for forage and habitat enhancement, and the Washington Conservation Corps project agreement. Discussion included how these projects fit into ongoing county conservation work, timelines for implementation, and coordination with state and nonprofit partners.
Community & Events
- 🎆 Contract with Lueders Pyrotechnics for the Skamania County Fair & Timber Carnival fireworks show.
- đź–¨ Amendment to Solutions YES lease for an additional printer.
đź“Š Department Head Reports
Department leaders shared updates on current programs, ongoing projects, and future needs across county services.
- 🛣 Highway 14 project updates - brief note on anticipated lane closures and the need to coordinate timing with events and emergency services.
- đź—“ Upcoming departmental projects - routine scheduling updates across multiple departments, with no major new initiatives announced.
đź—“ Next Steps & Participation
đź’» Join future meetings on Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88906321210
đź“ž Dial-in: 1 (346) 248-7799 | Meeting ID: 889 0632 1210
📬 Submit written comments to: commiss@co.skamania.wa.us - due by noon the day before a meeting to be acknowledged.
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