East Washingtonian - Your Hometown News Source

POMEROY–The Garfield County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) met with representatives from the United States Forest Service, discussed a bid on the Eastern Washington Agricultural Museum parking lot paving project, and discussed removal of the grandstand bleachers at the Garfield County Fairgrounds at their meeting on March 18.

Eric Watrud, USFS Forest Supervisor for the Umatilla National Forest, informed the board of changes that have been made to the forest plan including the creation of the Blues Intergovernmental Council and the decision-making empowerment of local forest supervisors. Both of these changes address concerns that have been expressed about keeping planning and decision making as local as possible. The BIC is an advisory council that is made up of representatives from tribes, regulatory agencies, and fourteen counties in Washington State. Watrud discussed upcoming projects planned by the USFS, including replacing the crooked creek and Panjab bridges to allow easier access to the forest. "Part of being a good neighbor is having good access to the forest," Watrud said. Following the same theme of access, he also discussed efforts to salvage timber killed by the Lick Creek Fire, as well as possible mixed use of certain roads between on-road and off-road vehicles.

A bid From Tucannon River Construction for paving the EWAM parking lot came in $42,000 over the $95,000 budget. The commissioners discussed options, including changing dimensions of the paved area and going out to bid again.

The bleachers at the Fairgrounds grandstand area have been completely removed. The wood went to the EWAM and one truck load of scrap was hauled away, with the money from the scrap going to the Fairgrounds.