# Cowlitz County Commissioner Open Public Meetings


**Body:** Cowlitz County Commissioners 
**Date:** October 07, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Transportation, Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding


The Cowlitz County Commissioners’ open public meeting on October 7, 2026, included a Public Works presentation on the county road and bridge system and its six-year transportation improvement program. Staff discussed planned bridge and culvert work, including Mill Creek Bridge No. 1, which is in the consultant procurement phase. For 2027–2032, the presentation estimated approximately $3.4–$4 million for preliminary engineering, $365,000 for right-of-way purchases, and $6.1 million for construction; staff said much of the program relies on grants. Specific projects included two Delmeter Road culvert replacements estimated at $6.1 million, with $823,500 in local funding, and an Allander Road culvert project with an estimated $575,000 local share. Staff said county construction work is competitively bid and awarded to the lowest bidder. No contract award or procurement vote was recorded; staff described schedule changes and possible emergency contracting if a failing road becomes an immediate threat.

The second presentation reviewed preliminary 2027 property-tax estimates and options under House Bill 2442, including separating veterans assistance and mental-health service levies from the general-fund levy. Commissioners expressed support for separating the levies and using new-construction revenue, while one commissioner wanted more time to review the banked levy capacity; staff planned to prepare separate levy items for certification in November. The presentation estimated roughly $1.5 million in available general-fund levy capacity and $651,000 for the road fund, subject to the choices made. The meeting also included discussion of county revenues, deficits, spending controls, and requests for clearer financial information. No final tax levy decision was recorded.

**Source:** Cowlitz County Commissioners