The La Center City Council met on Wednesday, Feb. 12, to discuss major infrastructure projects, transit funding and comprehensive city planning updates.
Among the key topics was the 4th Street Widening and Breeze Creek Reconstruction project, a major infrastructure initiative improving pedestrian and bike access while enhancing stormwater management.
The project includes widening 4th Street from East Stonecreek Drive to East Ivy Avenue, adding 7-foot-wide sidewalks and buffered bike lanes. The Breeze Creek culvert underneath 4th Street will be replaced with a bridge to facilitate fish passage and accommodate the expanded roadway. As part of the plan, the city also intends to expand an existing stormwater retention pond at La Center Elementary School to mitigate rainwater runoff, pending approval from the school district. PBS Engineering is currently working on the project’s design.
City Engineer Tony Cooper explained that the federally funded project requires environmental approvals, including a de minimis determination for temporary recreational impacts. The project will replace the existing culvert at Breeze Creek with a bridge, requiring a realignment and temporary closure of about 600 to 700 feet of the trail. Construction is expected to last between one and two years.
“During construction … they’re gonna build it in two parts,” Cooper said. “They’re gonna build a wall on the north side, transfer traffic over to that north side so they can build the south half of the bridge. Traffic will be pedestrian traffic will be able to cross in some way, possibly during construction. (We) have to kind of see during construction if that’s possible or not, but they’re gonna, there’s gonna have to be a way for … pedestrians to get across.”
Despite acknowledging the inconvenience, council members recognized the necessity of the closure. A motion to approve the impact was passed unanimously. Cooper noted that while the southern trailhead and a portion of the Breeze Creek Trail will be closed, residents will access the trail from the northern entry points and other nearby connection paths. Signs will be posted to guide pedestrians to alternative entry points during construction.
Presentation held on C-TRAN, light rail funding commitment
The council heard from C-TRAN Deputy Chief Executive Officer Scott Patterson, who provided updates on regional transit discussions, particularly the Interstate Bridge Replacement (IBR) project and C-TRAN’s role in funding light rail operations.
In July 2022, the C-TRAN Board of Directors voted to support extending light rail to Vancouver but formally stated in a resolution that it would not fund operations and maintenance (O&M). However, in November 2024, the board revised this stance, indicating that the agency “may” contribute to O&M costs. This shift has sparked debate, with a motion set for reconsideration in March to potentially return to the original stance of declining financial responsibility.
Patterson emphasized the financial challenges ahead, explaining that while IBR seeks a $1 billion federal grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s Capital Investment Grants program for construction, ongoing operations funding remains uncertain. One option under discussion is a potential increase in the C-TRAN sales tax, which is currently set at 0.7%. The proposed increase could raise the rate to 0.9%, pending voter approval, to help cover operational and maintenance costs for the expanded transit services.
Councilmembers expressed concerns about the financial burden on residents, citing existing high taxes and impending bridge tolls.
“Sales tax on top of the toll tax on top of the highest gas tax in the country,” Mayor Tom Strobehn said. “Very, very disappointing to hear.”
The council plans to further analyze the potential tax increase and its impact on residents, gather community input through public hearings, and coordinate with regional transit authorities to assess alternative funding sources. The final decision to place a tax increase on the ballot rests with the C-Tran board of directors.
Comprehensive plan updates, economic development strategies
The council also reviewed updates to the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, presented by city planning consultant Alec Egurrola. The updates focused on economic development, historic preservation, urban growth and annexation, and government, with an emphasis on diversifying La Center’s economy beyond its historic reliance on cardrooms.
New policies include offering tax incentives for small businesses, streamlining permit processes to reduce bureaucratic delays, and implementing zoning adjustments to allow for mixed-use developments in the downtown and junction areas. Additionally, the city plans to establish a formal partnership with the Cowlitz Tribe to explore joint economic ventures, such as tourism initiatives and shared business incubators. The historic preservation chapter now includes significant sites such as John Pollock’s grave and the historic sternwheeler dock, with recommendations for a walking tour map.
Urban growth and annexation updates align with state requirements to support affordable housing and prioritize development in key areas. The government chapter clarifies comprehensive plan amendment procedures and stakeholder engagement responsibilities.
The council approved the draft updates, with final adoption expected later in the year as part of the full comprehensive plan package. The final phase of the planning process, covering parks, transportation and public facilities, is set for review in the coming months, with a vote anticipated by late summer or early fall.
