2026-09-14-minutes-public-works-study-session

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6-YEAR TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE Joshua Fredrickson briefed the Board of County Commissioners on the annual update to the Six -Year Transportation Improvement Plan. Following the public -comment period, staff corrected calculation errors and added a final -year feasibility study for an extension connecting Bowers Road to Look Road near the airport. Public comments also addressed Passmore Road and the Kittitas Highway No. 6 intersection. Joshua Fredrickson reported that the intersection remains the County's top transportation -safety priority for pursuit of state funding, while the requested speed reduction will proceed as a separate process. The updated plan will be brought forward for final consideration at a future meeting. No action was taken. BOWERS FIELD AIRPORT UPDATE Joshua Fredrickson briefed the Board of County Commissioners on airport capital projects and lease activities. The hangar taxi -lane project is under construction and is expected to be completed by the end of fall 2026; it will provide access to additional hangar sites with nearby water and sewer utilities. Staff is also advancing design of a parallel taxiway project estimated at approximately $15 million. The project is anticipated to require a 10 percent County match, estimated at approximately $1.5 million, with a smaller design -phase match expected in 2027 and the larger construction match anticipated in 2029. Staff is evaluating potential funding sources for the match. Joshua Fredrickson also reported that four grazing leases will expire at the end of 2026. The Airport Advisory Committee supports a new solicitation for the leases, which will be presented to the Board at a future meeting. No action was taken. FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT 2027 - 2032 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Arden Thomas briefed the Board of County Commissioners on the Flood Control Zone District's 2027-2032 Capital Improvement Plan. Current priority projects include the Whiskey Creek siphon implementation project, Lower Kittitas Reach floodplain reconnection project, and Mercer Creek flow conveyance restoration project. Arden Thomas reported projected 2027 capital expenditures of $3.3 million, contingent upon receipt of a $1 million Federal Highway Administration grant; expenditures would decrease substantially if the grant is not received. Arden Thomas also described the importance of partnerships with the Kittitas County Conservation District, Mid - Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group, and the City of Ellensburg in delivering flood -risk -reduction and habitat projects. No action was taken. 2026-09-14 MINUTES