Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: PW - Public Works

Directors' Update: Sept. 3, 2025

Business Meeting: Sept. 9, 2025

Summary:

This resolution approves the adoption of a formal Relocation Appeals Process for Lewis County to comply with the requirements of the Washington State Department of Transportation and federal relocation regulations.  It establishes a Relocation Review Board to hear appeals from displaced persons who disagree with relocation assistance decisions made by the county's contracted relocation consultant.  The process ensures that affected individuals have a fair and transparent opportunity to request review, and it enables the county to remain eligible for federally funded transportation and infrastructure projects requiring property acquisition

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To: Tina Correia, Robin Saline, Geoff Soderquist, Wesley Anderson, Zelma Hammer - PW

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, and its implementing regulations (49 CFR Part 24), require a relocation appeals process for displaced persons who are dissatisfied with the relocation assistance services; and

WHEREAS, the County occasionally undertakes projects requiring the acquisition of real property and may displace individuals, families, businesses, farms or nonprofit organizations; and

WHEREAS, the County does not currently have internal capacity or qualifications to conduct relocation activities and therefore utilizes the services of a qualified relocation consultant; and

WHEREAS, the Washington State Department of Transportation requires that any agency performing relocation activities under its oversight must have a formal appeals process in place, including provisions for review and reconsideration of relocation decisions; and

WHEREAS, the County has prepared a Relocation Appeals Process consistent with applicable federal and state laws, which include the creation of a Relocation Review Board to hear and evaluate appeals brought by displaced persons; and

WHEREAS, the County Engineer has determined the establishment of the Relocation Appeals Process and the Relocation Review Board is in the public interest and necessary to ensure continued compliance with Washington State Department of Transportation requirements and federal law.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Relocation Appeals Process, attached hereto as Exhibit A, is hereby adopted as the official relocation appeals procedure of Lewis County and a Relocation Review Board is hereby established, and this resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 9th day of September, 2025.