2019-07-29 Meeting with Rep. Jim WalshMeeting with Rep. Jim Walsh
July 29, 2019
3:10 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Becky Butler, Rep. Jim
Walsh
Guest: Dr. Lindsey Pollock, Sally Clark (3:41 p.m.), Don Welever (3:41 p.m.)
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Rep. Jim Walsh said Gov. Inslee wants to move $175 million out of the Connecting Washington account
and into the fish culvert fund. He said it could affect future transportation projects.
Rep. Walsh said it will cost at least $1.8 billion to replace 90 percent of the blocked culverts across the
state in the areas affected by the court injunction.
The group discussed the problems related to fixing culverts upstream that have blocked culverts
downstream.
The group discussed the increase of B&O taxes linked to the culvert replacement.
Commissioner Fund discussed the North County Interchange project. She said the county is asking for
early access to the $50.5 million in funding that’s been promised for 2024. Rep. Walsh suggested she
outline the request in an email.
Sally Clark and Don Welever joined at 3:41 p.m.
Commissioner Stamper expressed frustration regarding DNR timber sales. He said he would reach out to
Rep. Brian Blake prior to the county’s Aug. 19 meeting with DNR.
The group discussed increased costs linked to indigent defense, elections, etc.
Rep. Walsh said bills will be reintroduced to divert some marijuana funding to counties’ indigent defense
costs and to provide funding for jail medical.
Rep. Walsh said he work on elections funding.
Rep. Walsh suggested reaching out to the State Auditor’s Office regarding technology costs linked to
elections. Rep. Walsh said he can set up a hearing to allow the smaller counties to discuss technology
costs linked to elections.
Rep. Walsh discussed the capital budget, including funding approved for Toledo’s new school.
Meeting ended at 4:03 p.m.