The latest developments, decisions and changes coming out of our summer board meeting, held in our Olympia office.
The full board meeting minutes will be available once approved.
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DEVELOPMENTS
- County Engineer Appointments On November 12, 2024, Jeremy Provenzola, P.E. was appointed as the Clark County Engineer. Mr. Provenzola was previously the Assistant County Engineer. This promotion is part of Clark County splitting the Public Works Director/County Engineer position into two separate positions. Ken Lader, P.E. continues at Clark County as the Public Works Director. On December 9, 2024, Letticia Neal, P.E. was appointed to the Pierce County Engineer position. Because Pierce County is a charter county, this action is taken through a delegation of authority from the County Executive to the Public Works Director. On January 1, 2025, the newly elected Pierce County Executive took office and appointed Mr. Brian Stacy, P.E., as the interim Public Works Director due to the departure of Jen Tetatzin at the end of 2024.
- County Engineer Vacancies There are 4 active county engineer vacancies in Asotin, Pacific, Stevens, and Walla Walla counties. Asotin County has a consulting firm providing interim county engineer support through May 31, 2025 with Russ Pelleberg serving as the acting County Engineer. Pacific County Engineer duties are being handled by an acting CE team of Jennifer Oatfield and Richard Drake through March 15, 2025. Nicole Norvell has been appointed acting County Engineer in Stevens County. Matt Rasmussen, P.E. of Benton County is serving as interim County Engineer for Walla Walla County through March 7, 2025.
DECISIONS
- Certified Resolution 2025-001 - Apportion RATA Funds to Regions which authorized the accrued amount of $5,332,219 deposited to the RATA for October, November and December 2024 be apportioned to the regions by the established 2023-2025 biennium regional percentages after setting aside $120,364 for administration.
- Project Board Actions Regarding Skagit, Whitman, Benton and Wahkiakum Counties Per WAC 136-167-040(5) Lapsing of RATA allocation for approved projects, “The Board may in its discretion determine that for the public safety, health or general welfare, an additional extension is necessary. If such a determination is made, the Board may grant an additional extension and set the duration thereof.” Four counties (Skagit, Whitman, Benton, and Wahkiakum) requested extensions from the board and all requests to extend through April 2027 were approved by the board.
CHANGES
- 2024 Annual Report Jane Wall shared that CRAB’s 2024 Annual Report (fully digital), has been posted to our website and shared out electronically via e-mail to members of the House and Senate Transportation Committees, and other interested parties.
- Update on Conditional Certificate of Good Practice – all 4 counties that were initially given a conditional certificate of good practice last April 2024 are now in compliance. At the upcoming April 2025 Board meeting, Derek will provide an update on which of the 39 counties are in full compliance for certain requirements to be issued Certificates of Good Practice this year.
- Puget Sound Ferry Deposit Update Deputy Director Drew Woods provided an update on the Puget Sound Ferry Operations Account (PSFOA) situation. He credited the State Treasurer’s Office willingness to step up when this matter was brought to their attention. $9.638 million will be refunded to the counties in the January 2025 MVFT distribution to resolve the current biennium’s (2023-2025) error. At this point CRAB’s role in this matter has concluded and it will be up to other outside entities whether they want to pursue further refunds.
- CFCIP Updates from Whatcom & Skagit Counties Updates were given to the Board about County Ferry Capital Improvement Program (CFCIP) projects. The presenters were: Grace Kane, Skagit County Engineer & Public Works Director, and Elizabeth Kosa, Whatcom County Public Works Director.
