Washougal gains $500K grant for $10M Town Center revamp

The city of Washougal has received a $500,000 grant for its Town Center Revitalization Project. Once completed, downtown Washougal will be home to an off-leash dog park, splash pad, inclusive playground, outdoor community spaces and expanded public parking. The grant money is “a significant win for the city” said Jason VanAalsburg, the city of Washougal’s senior management analyst. VanAalsburg said the city is funding the $10 million revitalization project through a combination of sources, including a Washington State Department of Commerce grant, federal funds from former President Joe Biden’s 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, park impact fees and the city’s general fund. The new grant is from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. Washougal City Manager David Scott told city councilors July 28 that the grant funding was touch and go. “We thought we were below the line and not going to be funded,” Scott said. “But something happened — I don’t know exactly what — and we got it. Great work by the team, staff and the consultants to have us close enough to be able to get it when there was a little maneuvering happening.” The grant will “take some of the pressure off” the city, Scott said. “The award will give us the opportunity to potentially reallocate funds that were originally set aside for the Town Center project to other city projects currently in various stages of design,” VanAalsburg said. “Ultimately, this additional funding enhances our overall flexibility.” Scott said in February 2024 that the project was experiencing a shortfall of approximately $970,000, but had also included $800,000 for contingencies. “Fortunately, project bids came in under that estimate, which allowed us to reinstate some items we had previously removed or listed as bid alternates,” VanAalsburg said. “The project’s first phase includes renovation work to the Washougal Community Center (completed in February), right-of-way improvements, and the construction of new parking lots and a dog park.” VanAalsburg said he estimates the project’s first phase is about 40 percent complete. One of the project’s new parking lots, located at the intersection of Durgan and C streets, is open and available for public and staff use. The city said the new parking lot provides direct access to Washougal City Hall, the Washougal library and the Washougal Community Center. The RCO grant will be dedicated to the project’s second phase, which will focus on the “central core” of the Town Center, according to VanAalsburg. “This is essentially the heart of the project, most of the exciting elements like the all-abilities playground, splash pad and the outdoor recreation-community center expansion area,” he said, adding that he expects the second phase work to begin this fall. Doug Flanagan: 360-735-4669; doug.flanagan@columbian.com

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