The recently approved Washington state budget includes more than $10.96 million for projects and improvements in Washougal.
The state transportation package includes $7.5 million for a 27th Street extension and rail overpass. The total cost of the project is expected to be $16 million.
“I love that we got funding,” said Washougal Mayor Sean Guard.
“It is anticipated that we would be applying for other grants for the additional funds needed, and possibly bonding any outstanding balance to complete the project,” he added.
According to Guard, the possibility of bonding would involve issuing general obligation bonds and paying them back with the revenue brought in from car tab fees.
Last night, the Washougal City Council approved a $12,842 professional service agreement with Parsons Brinckerhoff for a conceptual design and environmental analysis services of the 27th Street extension railroad overpass project.
The vote was 5-0. Council members Jennifer McDaniel and Joyce Lindsay had excused absences.
The expansion of a wastewater treatment plant at 3900 state Route 14 will receive $1 million in a state legislative appropriation. The 2015 Washougal budget includes $13.5 million for the plant project.
The Washougal Community Center upgrades project will receive $350,000 in a legislative appropriation, while the center’s kitchen remodel will be a recipient of $150,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding. The city match will be $100,000.
The improvements will include the replacement of the heating and air conditioning system and roof, as well as retrofitting the kitchen.
Washougal will receive $300,000 from Clark County Conservation Futures, to use toward the acquisition of future park land owned by the Schmid Family Limited Partnership I.
The total estimated price for 17.88 acres at 1407 32nd St. is $599,000. It is the former site of George Schmid & Sons, Inc., offices and bulldozers.
Preliminary concepts include picnic gazebos overlooking the floodplain and river, a main pavilion for larger activities, a playground, trail and sidewalk connections, parking facility and possibly one or two sport courts.
Two recreation projects that will receive Parks Foundation of Clark County funding are $10,108 for the pickleball courts at 28th and “I” streets, near Hathaway Park; and $5,000 toward construction of a bicycle skills course and pump track at Hamllik Park, 4285 Addy St.
The red barn playground at Hartwood Park will receive a $79,000 Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program grant through the Recreation and Conservation Office.
The park, located at 2251 49th St., includes a tractor climber, pigpen, chicken stepper and cornstalk climber. It includes seven acres of undeveloped natural features. Picnic amenities are expected to be added.
According to Washougal Public Works Director Trevor Evers, the city will receive $418,000 in Safe Routes to Schools grant funds for sidewalks on 34th Street from Evergreen Way to Gause Elementary, 1100 34th St.
Washougal will also receive $139,000 in Transportation Improvement Board grant funds for sidewalks on Evergreen Way, between Safeway, 3307 Evergreen Way, and 34th Street.
