> ## 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. # 🗞️ Klickitat BOCC Summary – July 29, 2025 - URL: https://skamania-dispatch.ghost.io/klickitat-bocc-summary-july-29-2025/ - Published: 2025-08-01T17:21:05.000Z - Updated: 2025-08-01T17:21:05.000Z - Description: Klickitat BoCC focused on wildfire response, broadband expansion, and a large slate of road and public health funding approvals during their final meeting of July. They also held public hearings, budget updates, and discussed new funding for 911 operations and voter registration system upgrades. - Author: Dispatch Squatch - Tags: Klickitat Board of County Commissioners, Klickitat County --- #### 🔥 Wildfire Response & Emergency Funding Klickitat County Commissioners received a comprehensive briefing on the **Burdoin Fire**, while community resources and state-level support were mobilized for those affected: **🔹 Incident Overview** - As of late July, the Burdoin Fire had consumed over **11,000–11,200 acres** and reached between **39% and 72% containment**. ➤ [KGW: Evacuation levels drop as Burdoin Fire slows](https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/wildfire/level-3-evacuation-levels-drop-burdoin-fire-washington-update/283-f3a40408-8b8a-4c4d-b742-d82290ca6c38?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) - The fire destroyed **14 primary residences**, damaged others, and threatened over **250 structures**. ➤ [Columbia Gorge News: Operational updates & coordination](https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/free%5Fnews/operational-updates-resources-and-the-team-coordinating-burdoin-fire-response/article%5F4c0ef309-49e8-469f-816e-1bfd007169fa.html?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) **🔹 Emergency Funding Activated** - FEMA approved a **Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG)**, covering up to **75% of suppression costs**. ➤ [FEMA: Burdoin Fire FMAG authorization](https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20250721/fema-authorizes-funds-fight-burdoin-fire-washington?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) - Washington State activated strike teams under the **All Risk Fire Mobilization Plan**. ➤ [WSP: State mobilization authorized](https://wsp.wa.gov/state-fire-mobilization-authorized-for-the-burdoin-fire?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) **🔹 Evacuations & Communication** - All **Level 3 “Go Now!” evacuations** were downgraded by July 27, with roads reopening to local traffic. ➤ [OPB: Evacuation levels lowered](https://www.opb.org/article/2025/07/27/evacuation-levels-lowered-for-burdoin-fire-on-the-washington-side-of-the-gorge?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) - Alerts were shared via **Nixle**, Facebook, and county emergency channels. **🔹 Resources for Affected Residents** - **Shelters:** - Columbia High School Annex (Goldendale, WA) - The Dalles Middle School (The Dalles, OR) ➤ [Red Cross Shelter Info](https://katu.com/news/local/story/burdoin-fire-burns-10730-acres-remains-uncontained-in-the-columbia-river-gorge-klickitat-county-washington-oregon-hood-river?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) - **Re-entry Kits:** Available via the **Lyle Trailhead** or by completing the recovery survey on KCDEM’s Facebook page. ➤ [Columbia Gorge News: Re-entry support](https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/free%5Fnews/operational-updates-resources-and-the-team-coordinating-burdoin-fire-response/article%5F4c0ef309-49e8-469f-816e-1bfd007169fa.html?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) - **Disaster Assistance Center:** Opening **August 6** to provide in-person help with referrals, recovery, and insurance. ➤ [Klickitat County Fire Recovery Info](https://www.klickitatcounty.gov/1643/Burdoin-Snyder-Canyon-Fire-2025?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) - **Donations & Volunteer Support:** - Donate to the **Klickitat Valley Fire Victims Fund** via PayPal or mailed checks. - Email [**imt.ops@klickitatdem.org**](mailto:imt.ops@klickitatdem.org) to volunteer. ➤ [Community support article](https://www.columbiagorgenews.com/free%5Fnews/community-support-needed-to-assist-burdoin-and-snyder-canyon-wildfire-victims/article%5Ffc8186ce-4ba4-4abd-be4c-68924f76ffbd.html?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) ### 🔹 Operational Coordination & Next Steps - Command structure from **NW13 Incident Management Team** helped suppress spread and build fuel breaks. - Local damage assessments are underway to support federal recovery funds. - Commissioners discussed **pre-designated shelter sites** and reinforced commitment to long-term **wildfire risk reduction planning** with Tetra Tech. --- #### 💰 Broadband & Infrastructure Grants The board approved a grant agreement with the WA State Public Works Board for **rural broadband development**, as well as multiple interlocal agreements and state funding contracts for **road maintenance**, including: - Curve warning sign upgrades (CRP 381) - Bridge and deck repair bundles (CRP 376, 377, 378) - Expansion joint repairs on local roads - $1.86M pay estimate for the Bickleton Highway overlay project A separate agreement provides **$76,259** to the City of White Salmon for surface transportation work. --- #### 🩺 Public Health Funding Updates Commissioners approved **Consolidated Contract Amendment #6** for the Health Department, which includes: - Increased state funding for drinking water system oversight - Continued support for programs like WIC, opioid outreach, and pandemic response - A total allocation of **$2.97 million** in state and federal public health funds through 2027 --- #### 📞 911 System & Voter Tech Upgrades The Board signed off on: - A **$467,270 SECO grant** for 911 operations (PSAP maintenance, staffing, training, and modernization) - A contract for a **software upgrade** to the county’s **voter registration system** via Granicus, supporting 2026 election readiness --- #### 📋 Boundary Line Adjustments & Planning The Board held a public hearing on BLA2024-10 (Tomlin/McCarthy) and approved the boundary adjustment unanimously. Commissioners also scheduled a future hearing to amend the county’s **Six-Year Transportation Program (2025–2030)**. --- #### 🗣️ Public Comment & Workshop Recap During public comment, **Kaylee Towle**, representing the **Dallesport Murdock Community Council**, raised concerns about transparency and inclusion in the county’s recreational planning process—especially how **Fund 125 (REET recreation funds)** is being allocated. She emphasized that local community councils, particularly in east-county areas like Dallesport, Wishram, and Lyle, should have more say in how state and federal recreation grants are developed and distributed. In response, the commissioners and staff pointed to the **July 24 workshop**, which convened a broad set of stakeholders to begin tackling this very issue. The meeting included: - County Planning, Parks, and Emergency Management staff - Representatives from the Dallesport, Lyle, and Wishram community councils - Klickitat County PUD - The National Park Service and Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) The workshop focused on long-term coordination around recreation planning, including trail access, park amenities, and wildfire-resilient design. Participants discussed opportunities to develop a unified strategy for grant-seeking and park development, using **Fund 125** to strengthen the county’s ability to attract RCO and federal funding. The county hopes this will lead to more **community-driven projects** with better interagency coordination. Commissioners signaled openness to **developing a clearer decision-making framework** for how REET-funded recreation priorities are chosen, with more representation from east county voices going forward. --- 🗓️ **Next BOCC Meeting** **Date:** Tuesday, August 5, 2025 **Time:** 9:30 a.m. **Location:** Klickitat County Services Building, 115 W Court St, Room 201, Goldendale, WA 💻 [Join via Zoom](https://us02web.zoom.us/j/586587651?ref=skamania-dispatch.ghost.io) 📞 Dial-in: 1 (669) 900-6833 — Meeting ID: 586 587 651 📬 Send public comments to: [bocc@klickitatcounty.org](mailto:bocc@klickitatcounty.org)