2020-06-24 Economic Recovery ForumEconomic Recovery Forum
June 24, 2020
1:02 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Stamper (remotely at 1:26 p.m.), Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson,
County Manager Erik Martin, Michelle Whitten, Suzette Smith, Mayor Steve Dobosh, David Woodrum,
Dr. Lindsey Pollock, Rep. Jim Walsh, Annalee Tobee, Stephen Dunk, Jon Galow, Alison Puckett, Hal
Blanton, Mary Kay Nelson, Matt Matayoshi, Matt Patana, Gary Fredricks, JP Anderson, Meri Hamre, Lara
McRea, Julie Bullock, Undersheriff Wes Rethwill, Carson Coates of U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler’s
office
Recorder: Rieva Lester
Stephen Dunk and Jon Galow of the state Department of Commerce gave an overview of the CDBG
funds available for COVID-19 response for public services, such as public health, emergency response,
temporary housing, food distribution, rent assistance, utility assistance, etc.
Jon said there is $7 million available to be distributed to 200 entities.
Jon said the county can be the primary application and then administer the cities’ and town’s allotment.
He said cities and the town can Vader, for example, is earmarked to receive $600. He said the cities and
town could apply on their own rather than have the county submit the application. He said the grant
should be available in the next couple of weeks and will be due by the end of August.
Jon said funds will be retroactive to March expenses.
Jon said the funds could supplement projects for which CRF funds are available. He said the funds also
could be used as FEMA local assistance matches.
Jon said the cities can withdraw their funds from the consortium and instead apply on their own. He said
there is a $1,000 incentive per entity per jurisdiction that gets added to the pot for each city and town
that piggybacks on the main application.
Jon said another distribution also is in the works.
Jon and Stephen said the county could coordinate with the EDC for distribution of the funds if it so
desired.
Commissioner Stamper joined at 1:26 p.m.
Jon said the cities and towns would need to alert the county as to whether they plan to be included in
the county’s application. Stephen said his understanding is that Lewis County plans to be included in
Mason County Community Action Program’s application.
Jon said the lead application and subrecipient can receive admin funding. He said he would look up the
amount.
Jon said that if two cities joined forces, the lead applicant would receive the $1,000 incentive.
Jon said the lead applicant would pay for any related audit costs.
Jon outlined how grants would be doled out to individuals selected to receive the funding and some of
the requirements.
Stephen and Jon left at 1:45 p.m.
Rep. Jim Walsh said there is a considerable about of concern regarding the governor’s announcement
calling for mask use statewide as well as talk about a possible special session. He said it looks like
shortfalls will be larger than anticipated.
Matt Matayoshi said the EDC will begin accepting grant applications for its joint venture with the county
beginning June 29.
Rep. Walsh said L and I has performed inspections and given warnings and small fines in response to
noncompliance to the governor’s COVID-19 proclamations. He said it has not been bad like it was
feared.
Hal Blanton said Timberland Regional Library branches offer curbside service and that printing / pick-up
services also are available. He said drive-up free wifi also is available. Hal provided updates about
businesses and recreation in the Packwood area.
Carson Coates of Jaime Herrera Beutler’s office said PPE applications are due by June 30.
Commissioner Fund noted that Lewis County unemployment was at 15.8 percent for May 2020.
Meeting ended at 2:03 p.m.