Due to multiple near accidents with motorists and workers resulting from work zone traffic control violations, emphasis patrols in the area of Cowlitz Way and NW 5th will begin tonight.

Motorists are reminded that infractions issued in a work zone are doubled, and that intentionally evading a traffic control device, or driving a vehicle in a work zone in a manner likely to endanger persons or property, is a gross misdemeanor per RCW 46.61.527.

As a reminder, the City of Kelso is conducting emergency replacement of a storm sewer line located at the western approach of the Cowlitz Way Bridge at Long Avenue / Northwest 5th Street.  Work will take place during the night from 7pm-5am and will continue for approximately six weeks.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane each way from 7pm through 5am. Turns at the intersection of Cowlitz Way and Long Avenue / Northwest 5th Street will be restricted. Motorists are strongly encouraged to use alternate routes during the construction period.

We ask you for your patience as we work to repair your city storm drains.

Cascade Natural Gas will replace existing natural gas main pipelines and service lines in a portion of Kelso over the next several months. The replacement project is an on-going integrity management process to ensure the safety and reliability of the natural gas system. Through an evaluation, Cascade identifies sections of pipe for replacement based on physical and operation & maintenance components.

The Kelso project is expected to begin on June 26 and will take approximately two to three months, depending on weather conditions and any other unanticipated delays. The work will require a short interruption of natural gas service for customers. A company representative will contact affected customers to schedule a brief shut off and then relight of appliances.

Please refer to Cascade’s website for more information and a map that outlines the area where the replacement work will occur. https://www.cngc.com/in-the-community/construction-updates/ 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the City of Kelso City Council in the council chambers, Kelso City Hall, on Tuesday, May 16th at 6 pm.

The purpose of the public hearing is to review community development and housing needs, inform citizens of the availability of funds and eligible uses of the state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and receive comments on proposed activities, particularly from lower income persons residing in the West Kelso area.

Up to $2,000,000 may be available to the City of Kelso on a statewide competitive basis to fund public facility, community facility, economic development, planning and affordable housing projects that principally benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

An outline of the proposed projects will be available for review at no charge from Community Development, Kelso City Hall, 203 S. Pacific, Kelso WA. The public is invited to comment on this proposed project with written comments no later than 4:30 on May 16, 2023.  Comments should be addressed to Community Development, Kelso City Hall, 203 S. Pacific, Kelso WA. 98626 or by email to mmurray@kelso.gov.

The council chambers is handicap accessible. Arrangements to reasonably accommodate special needs accessibility or interpreter will be made upon receiving 24-hour advance notice.

Request for Volunteers

Project Advisory Committee for City of Kelso Development Code Update

The City of Kelso is seeking volunteers from the community to serve on a Project Advisory Committee for their upcoming Code Update. 

Volunteers should have experience working in building, development or real estate industry. Architects, planners, developers, builders and real estate agents are highly desired.
The Project Advisory Committee will give input about local development conditions, the Kelso community, project objectives and potential issues for users.
Members would be expected to attend up to 3 meetings and review draft materials.

If interested send an email to mmurray@kelso.gov with a simple description of your experience, a short explanation of why you are interested and your contact information.