Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: July 8, 2026

Business Meeting: July 14, 2026

Summary:

.09 Distressed Counties funding to EA

Publications:

Cover Letter To: Todd Chaput, Economic Alliance: todd@lewiscountyalliance.org

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) wishes to approve grant funding in the amount of $175,000 annually for two years -- for a grand total of $350,000 -- to Economic Alliance of Lewis County for its "Operations and Implementation of Economic Development Initiatives and Projects" project, a project that serves future demand and meets the definition of a “public facility” under RCW 82.14.370; and

WHEREAS, the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is a list of projects maintained by the Lewis County Economic Alliance as per RCW 82.14.370; and

WHEREAS, via prior resolutions and this resolution, the BOCC adopts the CEDS as Lewis County's officially adopted county overall economic development plan for the purposes of RCW 82.14.370; and

WHEREAS, EA’s funding application indicates EA will do the following as part of its "Operations and Implementation of Economic Development Initiatives and Projects" project:

• Operate a a countywide economic development program that focuses on the improved economic vitality of the county.
• Work to achieve the goals outlined in the Marketing Plan by increasing the number of jobs available to the community and improving the quality of life.
• Assist in leveraging resources to attract new business and industry.

WHEREAS, Economic Alliance’s application for funding of the "Operations and Implementation of Economic Development Initiatives and Projects" project has been recommended for approval and listing in the CEDS by the Distressed Counties/Rural Economic Development Public Facilities Advisory Committee, the committee created to recommend projects for listing in the CEDS; and

WHEREAS, the Distressed Counties/Rural Economic Development Public Facilities Advisory Committee recommends approving a grant in the amount of $350,000, with up to $175,000 awarded annually each year for two years; and

WHEREAS, Economic Alliance’s application is supported by the attached grant agreement, and the agreement is incorporated herein by reference; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of Lewis County that the funds requested by Economic Alliance be authorized in order to allow completion of the "Operations and Implementation of Economic Development Initiatives and Projects" project, a project that supports economic development in Lewis County.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BOCC (1) approves the "Operations and Implementation of Economic Development Initiatives and Projects" project as a public facility for purposes of RCW 82.14.370 and amends the CEDS list to include that project in the county’s overall economic development plan; and (2) authorizes Lewis County to enter into the attached Grant Agreement with Economic Alliance for the "Operations and Implementation of Economic Development Initiatives and Projects" project in the amount of $175,000 annually for two years -- for a grand total of $350,000 -- using monies from the “Distressed Counties Fund,” all in accordance with RCW 82.14.370 and applicable law.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 14th day of July, 2026.