Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: CM - County Manager (including Budget)

Directors' Update: Jan. 31, 2024

Business Meeting: Feb. 6, 2024

Summary:

This resolution will join the South Chehalis / UGA Design (SCUD) Master Interlocal, by which the County will agree to participate in a multi-jurisdiction workgroup including the City of Chehalis, the Port of Chehalis, Twin Transit, and other partners.  The workgroup's purpose is to engage in joint planning and coordination regarding the south Chehalis and south Chehalis UGA area, including topics such as infrastructure, utilities, transportation, transit, land use, housing, public services, and/or annexation.  This master interlocal does not require resource sharing to commit the County to providing any funds; it only agrees to participate in the joint workgroup.  However, the Master Interlocal provides a framework by which project-specific addenda may be negotiated and added to the agreement in the future.  Such an addendum may include resource-sharing or other commitments by the jurisdictions who agree to join the addendum, as they deem appropriate at that time.

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, the population of Chehalis and the Urban Growth Area south of Chehalis are expected to grow considerably by 2045, reaching over 20,000 people; and

WHEREAS, such an influx will require supportive infrastructure, such as utilities, roads, transit, appropriate land use regulations, and housing, as well as services such as schools, fire, and emergency aid; and

WHEREAS, such infrastructure and services cross municipal boundaries and require the cooperation of numerous partners, including but not limited to Lewis County, the City of Chehalis, the Port of Chehalis, and Lewis County Transit; and

WHEREAS, the above jurisdictions have formed the South Chehalis / UGA Design (SCUD) workgroup to coordinate and plan for the area, generate proposed projects and funding mechanisms, and bring such ideas back to the governing bodies of each jurisdiction for consideration; and

WHEREAS, the workgroup has proposed a SCUD Master Interlocal to solidify the workgroup's existence and build a framework by which future resource-sharing may be accomplished for specific projects, if they are identified; and

WHEREAS, the Master Interlocal requires no resources from Lewis County other than participation in the workgroup, and the Board of County Commissioners will have full discretion to decide whether to commit any future resources to any SCUD project via a future, separately negotiated addendum.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the SCUD Master Interlocal is in the public interest, and is approved.  The County Manager is authorized to sign on behalf of Lewis County and to serve as the point of contact for notices under the Master Interlocal; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED This interlocal shall be posted and maintained on the Lewis County website so as to make it effective.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 6th day of February, 2024.