The recent 2019-2021 State budget passed by the Legislature includes $1.539M in appropriations and grants that is vital to advancing two key Washougal projects. Included in this amount is $1.239M in the Capital Budget which can be used toward the Schmid Ballfields project and $300,000 in the Transportation Budget toward the 32nd Street Railroad Underpass Project.
“We are very grateful to Sen. Ann Rivers, Rep. Brandon Vick, Rep. Larry Hoff and the other members of the SW Washington delegation for their support of Washougal,” said Mayor Molly Coston. “Thanks go out to the Council and staff for their efforts to identify good projects, prepare grant applications and legislative requests and advocate on behalf of our community.”
The $1.239M funding toward the $2.2M Schmid Ballfields Phase 3 Project will enable to City to make substantial progress toward ultimately completing the full Phase 3 improvements, which will finish Field #3 and add amenities at the ballpark complex, addressing Washougal’s deficiency in sports fields. The fully developed site will provide the necessary infrastructure to support night use of the fields and league tournament play, bringing teams into Washougal from all over the county and state, an added economic benefit to Washougal area businesses. While the funding provided does not fully cover the estimated total project cost, it allows the City to develop a phasing strategy and to explore other funding and partnerships to deliver this project.
The full build-out of the Phase 3 Schmid Ballfields Project this funding supports includes:
- A new third field to complement the two existing ballfields
- A paved parking lot and storm water treatment
- Water, sanitary, and electrical services to the site
- Concessions kiosk
- Permanent restroom facilities (elimination of the current portable restrooms)
- Lighting for all three ballfields and site security lighting
- ADA accessible paths and seating
The $300,000 provided in the Transportation Budget supplements federal funding already secured to complete 30% design and permitting for the 32nd Street Railroad Underpass Project, positioning the City to begin pursuing the capital funding necessary for construction. The underpass is a critical component of the Town Center Transportation and Infrastructure Plan, a long-term multi-component economic development and safety plan.
“This transportation funding support is greatly appreciated, and will ensure we have a shovel ready project for which we can pursue construction funding. Transportation projects are very costly and access to funding is very competitive. It is vital to have good projects ready to go. We are grateful for the partnership of our 18th District legislators in moving us forward,” said Mayor Coston.
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