Island County approves $1.447M Coupeville sewer/storm grant; road, EV, and health items ahead
Island County commissioners unanimously approved a $1,447,260 Rural County Economic Development (RCED) grant to the Town of Coupeville for the Parker Road sewer/storm line extension on July 7, the largest of four RCED awards cleared that day.
RCED grants and water franchises approved July 7
The Board of County Commissioners, in regular and special session, unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda with vouchers. Four RCED grants passed unanimously:
- $1,447,260 to the Town of Coupeville for the Parker Road sewer/storm line extension.
- $800,000 to Whidbey Camano Land Trust for Keystone Preserve access.
- $113,000 to the Port of South Whidbey for dock rehabilitation.
- $60,000 to WhidbeyHealth Medical Center for workforce parking expansion.
The Board also unanimously renewed two water franchises: PW2026-0036 for Bakerview Terrace Community Club and PW2026-0027 for Sierra Vista Water Association.
Work session moves items toward public hearings
On July 8, commissioners in work session agreed to place the reappointment of Salmon Recovery Technical and Citizen Committee (SRTCC) Positions 3 and 6 on the consent agenda. They also moved the proposed 2027–2032 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) to the consent agenda to schedule a public hearing. An executive session was held on a real-estate matter; the meeting then adjourned with no further business.
July 14 session: road project, EV stations, and contract amendments on the agenda
The July 14 regular and special session agenda listed several major items. Because minutes have not yet been published, these items should be read as scheduled for consideration, not yet confirmed as decided:
- A bid award to Konnerup Construction, Inc. for the Sunrise Boulevard Shoulder Widening Project — $2,392,891.80.
- An agreement with Puget Sound Energy for EV charging stations at 7th and Main St. in Coupeville.
- A contract amendment with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office funding the Salmon Recovery Program — $299,190.
- A consolidated contract amendment with the Washington State Department of Health increasing allocations by $1,697,703.
- Public hearings scheduled for August 4 and August 18 to adopt the 2027–2032 TIP and consider water franchise renewals.
Planning Commission reviews farm and forest tax transfers
The Planning Commission on July 15 took up proposed amendments to the Public Benefit Rating System (PBRS) that would allow property owners in Designated Forest and Farm/Ag programs to transfer into PBRS with a 90% tax exemption, and a proposal to waive PBRS application fees for transferring owners. Also on the agenda: Critical Areas Ordinance updates due by December 2026, a proposed interlocal agreement with Oak Harbor to study Urban Growth Area "donut hole" neighborhoods, and a draft 2027 work plan including short-term rental permitting and airport compatibility analysis. Minutes were not yet published.
Coming up
- **July 21 — Board of Health:** Will decide whether to send a letter asking Island County retailers to voluntarily stop selling Kratom and 7-OH products. Also on the agenda: the 2025 Healthy Youth Survey results, the 2027 public health budget, and the "Compass & Map" strategic vision for 2025–2030. The August 2026 regular session is cancelled.
- **July 21 — Board of County Commissioners:** Agenda includes a $633,588.15 contract with North Sound Behavioral Health for jail transition and opioid outreach services (term 7/1/26–12/31/26), two interlocal agreements for State Enhanced 911 funds, interagency agreements with the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts totaling $117,230, public hearings scheduled August 25 for eight Camano Island sewer franchise renewals, and a public hearing on Ordinance C-45-26 amending damage claim procedures.
- **July 22 — Island RTPO Executive Board:** Will meet in person at the Island County Annex Building in Coupeville and virtually to approve agenda and June 24 minutes, discuss the Human Services Transportation Plan, review the Regional Transportation Improvement Plan, and accept letters of support. A public comment period is available.