Commission Briefs

Commissioners sign SR3 Freight Corridor funding letter

County commissioners signed a letter to the legislative transportation committees regarding the state Route 3 Freight Corridor.

According to the information packet, the letter is addressed to Sen. Marko Lias, chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Sen. Curtis King, ranking member of the Senate Transportation Committee, Rep. Jake Fey, chair of the House Transportation Committee and Rep. Andrew Barkis, ranking member of the House Transportation Committee.

The letter supports an additional $12 million for the state Route 3 Freight Corridor project in the 2022 supplemental transportation budget. The increase proposed in the budget will support the project by safeguarding against inflation, supply chain and right-of-way acquisition disruptions; ensuring the project scope is not shortened; providing multimodal safety improvements at the southern terminus to provide Safe Routes to School in the area of North Mason School District’s campus; and construct intersections at Log Yard Road and Romance Hill Road to provide access for emergency and utility services.

“We recognize the importance of collaborative, long-range planning for infrastructure such as the Freight Corridor and other vital utilities such as water, sewer, and power in order to meet the needs of our community into the future,” the letter states. “As session draws to a close, we also hope efforts will be made to preserve access to project funding through the State’s Public Works Assistance Account which is a critical lifeline for local governments. Please continue to count Mason County as partner in your efforts to bring needed funding to transportation in our state and region.”

According to the Department of Transportation, the SR3 freight corridor is in the preconstruction phase of the project with construction planned for spring 2024 to winter 2026. Funding for the project is $66.9 million.

County seeks Board of Equalization members

Mason County commissioners are seeking applicants to fill a regular board member position and two alternate positions on the Mason County Board of Equalization.

According to a news release, the three-year terms end May 31. The board of equalization is a three-member board appointed by Mason County commissioners. The board’s responsibility is to ensure all property valuations are at 100% of market value so equitable tax assessment is established.

Taxpayers can appeal their assessments, which includes assessments of real and personal property, forest land, timber, and open space. Depending on the number of appeals heard each year, the board might meet up to three days a week throughout the year and members are paid a per diem, which is $100 per day when in session.

The appointed applicant must attend training provided by the state Department of Revenue within a year of appointment or reappointment.

Interested residents can obtain an application at the county commissioners office or at masoncountywa.gov.

Seven appointed to transportation panel

Mason County commissioners approved the appointments of seven people to the Transportation Improvement Program Citizens Advisory Panel at the March 1 commissioner’s meeting.

According to the information packet, Jeff Carey, Mark Carlson, Jack Johnson, Tim Lincoln, Don Pogreba and Phil Wolff were reappointed for a six-month term. Amy Asher, who is the general manager for Mason Transit Authority, was appointed to a two-year term.

County looking for Solid Waste Advisory Committee members

The county is looking for applicants to serve on the Mason County Solid Waste Advisory Committee.

According to a news release, the committee reviews and makes recommendations to county commissioners regarding solid and special waste management in the county, which includes disposal rates, disposal options, waste reduction, recycling, household hazardous waste and composting program.

The committee consists of nine members appointed for three-year terms. Members meet monthly. To apply, contact the Mason County commissioner’s office at 427-9670, ext. 419 or go to masoncountywa.gov.

Volunteers needed for TIP-CAP

Mason County is looking for volunteers to serve on the Transportation Improvement Program Citizens Advisory Panel.

According to a news release, the TIP-CAP will review and analyze Mason County’s transportation needs and present proposed transportation improvement plan to Mason County commissioners. County commissioners will use a transportation improvement plan developed by the TIP-CAP to plan road construction and other transportation projects for the next six years.

The commitment is a two or three-year membership period and attendance at one evening meeting every month lasting about two hours.

Interested persons can apply with an application from the Mason County commissioner’s office at 411 North 5th Street, Shelton, or on the county website masoncountywa.gov.