Tuesday Public Meeting - 06.02.2026

The Cowlitz County Commissioners held a public meeting on June 2, 2026, which included several procurement and budget-related discussions. The commissioners approved minutes from previous meetings and a consent agenda that included memorandums of understanding related to public records requests, rural development funds for Federal Energy Regulatory Commission projects, and a temporary construction unit for a bridge project. A significant procurement action was the award of a two-year striping contract to Construction Ahead Inc. (doing business as Pavement Surface Control) for approximately $938,165, which was noted as a decrease from prior spending. The meeting also covered a budget amendment recognizing savings and additional expenditures totaling nearly $3 million, with reductions efforts of over $4.5 million. Additionally, the Forest Service provided updates on staffing, forest resiliency projects, timber harvest plans, and ongoing safety improvements at Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, including a multi-year intake gate replacement project and long-term tunnel planning with an upcoming environmental impact statement. The commissioners and public expressed concerns about emergency preparedness and long-term safety planning, emphasizing the need for continued communication and advocacy with federal representatives. No new contracts or procurement actions were announced related to the Forest Service updates, but the discussion highlighted ongoing capital improvement and safety projects.