This was a press release posted to a secondary city website - The city did not add an update announcing this to the Camas' homepage (a routine occurrence) as of this posting.
CONSTRUCTION OF LAKE-EVERETT ROUNDABOUT SET TO BEGIN
Essential Public Infrastructure Project Authorized Under Governor’s Proclamation
CAMAS, Wash. (March 31, 2020) – In compliance with Gov. Jay Inslee’s Stay Home, Stay Healthy proclamation, which allows essential public construction projects to continue, the City of Camas will move forward with planned construction of the Lake-Everett roundabout in the coming days.
As communicated with the public through open houses and outreach, several trees will be removed at the start of the project. For full project details and ongoing construction updates, the public is invited to visit www.cityofcamas.us/lakeroadconstruction.
Why is this considered an essential project? The project is considered essential because without it, the intersection, which includes both City- (Lake Road) and State-regulated (Everett Street/SR 500) roadways, will soon reach failure. This means backups will reach a level where getting through the area will take considerable time and compromise motorist, pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
“We know these are difficult times, and we are continuously monitoring the COVID-19 situation and requirements, but we are also confident things will get better,” said City of Camas Public Works Director Steve Wall. “When that happens, the Lake-Everett intersection will once again be heavily used by the community, making this a necessary infrastructure improvement.”
Is funding for the project secure? Yes, the City has confirmed that funding is still available and set aside specifically for this project by two programs administered by the State of Washington: a Transportation Improvement Board grant and a Public Works Board low-interest loan.
What if the City needs the money for something else? The City cannot use these funds for anything else, including emergency aid, other projects or support services such as police, fire, parks or utilities. Likewise, the money that will pay back the low-interest loan can only be used for capital projects. It cannot be used for emergency aid, other projects or support services.
How was this decision made? The City made this decision based on guidance from state and local agencies. Although most residential and commercial construction projects are on hold, this public project is in line with similar essential construction projects proceeding throughout the county and state during the COVID-19 emergency. The Washington Department of Transportation will continue providing inspection support and oversight.
The contractor, Clark and Sons Excavating of Battle Ground, Wash., is ready to begin work and understands its crew must follow all COVID-19 guidance provided by the Dept. of Labor and Industry and Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Additionally, suppliers are ready and able to provide the needed equipment and materials.
Three additional City of Camas public projects are continuing as scheduled: improvements to Brady Road, construction of the 18th Avenue Reservoir and construction of the Lacamas Creek Pump Station. Each project provides vital infrastructure for Camas residents and has dedicated funding. For details, see www.cityofcamas.us/projectsalerts.
About the City of Camas
Located in eastern Clark County, the City of Camas is home to approximately 23,000 residents. Camas boasts a vibrant historic downtown, miles of trails, numerous hi-tech manufacturing industries and a state-leading educational system. From its origins over 100 years ago as a paper mill town, Camas continues to successfully blend a mix of cultures, values and vision. For more information, visit www.cityofcamas.us.
NOTE: The city has two websites for this project, though only one is referenced above. You can find the other with separate information at www.cityofcamas.us/lakeroad
Original press release attached
UPDATE: A day after WATCH Camas surfaced this press release from an obscure, and brand new secondary city webpage buried 3/4 of the way down in a plain hyperlink, the city has now also posted this on the Camas city home page.
The city said:
Governor Inslees Construction Guidance states:
“In general, commercial and residential construction is not authorized under the proclamation because construction is not considered to be an essential activity. However, an exception to the order allows for construction in the following limited circumstances:
a) Construction related to essential activities as described in the order;
b) To further a public purpose related to a public entity or governmental function or facility, including but not limited to publicly financed low-income housing; or
c) To prevent spoliation and avoid damage or unsafe conditions, and address emergency repairs at both non-essential businesses and residential structures.
To that end, it is permissible for workers who are building, construction superintendents, tradesmen, or tradeswomen, or other trades including, but not limited to, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, laborers, sheet metal, iron workers, masonry, pipe trades, fabricators, heavy equipment and crane operators, finishers, exterminators, pesticide applicators, cleaning and janitorial staff for commercial and governmental properties, security staff, operating engineers, HVAC technicians, painting, moving and relocation services, forestry and arborists, and other service providers to provide services consistent with this guidance. All construction activity must meet social distancing and appropriate health and worker protection measures before proceeding.”
You decide if Governor Inslee was talking about a non-essential roundabout that the city previously said was being built to mitigate potential issues with traffic decades down the road if I recall.
The city said:
Not sure why they'd incur the cost or confusion, but the city started this new website (www.cityofcamas.us/lakeroad) and didn't migrate any of the information from the previous website into it... why?
The city said:
This was not the city's line until today. Suddenly and without proof this is now a life or death necessity.
The city said:
Does Steve Wall have a crystal ball? We have no idea how long this will last. If we do get out of our homes, will everyone emerge with two more cars magically? This intersection was backed up at certain times of the day before COVID, but it was not what they are purporting it to be with no support to their claims whatsoever.
Also, where's the mayor? Why is Steve Wall telling us this is going forward?
The city said:
Double speak. Only around $3m of this $8m project is grant money and none of the agencies included will penalize Camas for waiting until we're past COVID to begin.
The city said:
Again, none of these agencies included will penalize the city for waiting through COVID. It's ridiculous to assume otherwise and insulting that they'd think Camas would buy that.