Information

Type: Legal Notice

Department: PW - Public Works

Directors' Update: Jan. 28, 2026

Business Meeting: Feb. 3, 2026

Summary:

Lewis County Code 12.20 and RCW 36.55 require that all utility installations in county rights of way be authorized by a franchise from Lewis County. An application for renewal of a franchise has been received by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) from PUD No. 1 of Cowlitz County, to install, construct, operate, and maintain electrical utility facilities in Lewis County rights of way.

This resolution sets a hearing at or after 10 a.m. March 3, 2026.  The hearing will take place in the Commissioners hearing room on the 2nd floor of the Historic Courthouse in Chehalis, Washington, as the time and place for the hearing on the franchise request and further instructs the Clerk of the BOCC to proceed with all appropriate and necessary notifications, posting and publication as required by RCW 36.55.040. Interested parties are encouraged to check the Commissioners’ hearing schedule online at https://lewiscountywa.gov/offices/commissioners/agendas-calendar/ as the hearing date approaches for updated details.

Publications: The Chronicle - February 12, 2026 and February 19, 2026

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, Lewis County Code 12.20 and RCW 36.55 require that all utility installations in county rights of way be authorized by a franchise from Lewis County; and

WHEREAS, an application for a renewal of a franchise has been received by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) from PUD No. 1 of Cowlitz County to install, construct, operate and maintain electrical utility facilities in Lewis County rights of way; and

WHEREAS, said application and all related materials have been reviewed by the BOCC and found appropriate for further proceedings; and

WHEREAS, written comment may be submitted in person at the BOCC, 351 NW North Street, Room 210, Chehalis, WA 98532 or via email at bocc@lewiscountywa.gov beginning at 10 a.m. February 4, 2026. Written comment must be clearly marked “Written comment for March 3, 2026 hearing” and must be received by 10 a.m. March 2, 2026.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the BOCC will hold a public hearing on the proposed acceptance of the franchise on at or after 10 a.m., March 3, 2026. The hearing will take place at the Lewis County Courthouse, Commissioners’ Hearing Room, 351 NW North Street, Chehalis, Wash., as set forth in the Notice of Public Hearing attached hereto. Interested parties are encouraged to check the Commissioners’ hearing schedule online at https://lewiscountywa.gov/offices/commissioners/agendas-calendar/ for updated details as the hearing date approaches. The Clerk of the BOCC is hereby instructed to proceed with all appropriate and necessary notifications, posting and publication as required by RCW 36.55.040.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 3rd day of February, 2026.