Washougal receives a clean state audit

The City of Washougal has received a clean audit from the Washington State Auditor’s Office.

The report released yesterday pertains to financial statements and a federal single audit for 2011. No deficiencies were noted.

The auditor reviewed the federal portion of the “E” Street project and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.

During the City Council meeting last night, Mayor Sean Guard and Finance Director Jennifer Forsberg thanked the city staff.

Forsberg mentioned that the “E” Street project included funding from multiple sources.

“Kudos to Wes [Wegner], of Wallis Engineering,” she said. “He kept very good records.”

Earlier in the afternoon, Guard said he was pleased with the results of the audit.

“This was easily one of the most difficult audits to get through due to the ARRA stimulus funds and the requirements and tracking for that,” he said. “I am very proud of the public works and finance teams for their professional and accurate work.”

The “E” Street improvements project included conversion of the road width to two through-lanes and a center left turn lane, as well as bike lanes and sidewalks from Sixth to 32nd streets. It also featured the replacement of World War II-era surplus steel pipe water line with 12-inch ductile iron.

Wallis Engineering provided inspection and engineering services for the “E” Street project. Funding sources for the $7.1 million project include traffic impact fees, federal funds, C-TRAN, CDBG, the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program and a state TIB grant.

The Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant involved the cities of Washougal, Camas and Battle Ground. Grant money from the U.S. Department of Energy was distributed through the Washington State Department of Commerce to purchase LED tubes to replace fluorescent lighting.