Board Information
Purpose:
The Legislature created the Public Works Board in partnership with local governments. Its task is to assist local governments in addressing local infrastructure needs. The Public Works Board operates a revolving loan program funded by a dedicated local funding pool. A citizens’ board comprised of local infrastructure representatives manages the Public Works Board.
Mission:
The mission of the Public Works Board is to empower Washington communities to build and maintain sustainable infrastructure.
Board Responsibilities:
The Public Works Board administers four programs. The primary purpose of these programs is to provide assistance to local governments with infrastructure:
• Planning.
• Financing.
• Construction.
• Repair.
• Expansion.
History of the Public Works Board PDF
The Board derives its authority from the Washington State Legislature. It is encoded into law in the Revised Code of Washington.
The associated WAC is Title 399.
The Governor appoints thirteen Board members for four-year terms. Three represent counties, three represent cities, three represent special purpose districts, and four are from the private sector.
Members meet every month to review applications for financing and deal with administrative issues. The Board conducts a two-day policy retreat in the fall.
Members are encouraged to attend workshops, conferences, and meetings on behalf of the Board. Often members are part of discussion panels at these meetings. Members are also offered opportunities to attend training courses that deal with infrastructure issues.
Kathryn Gardow, PE – Chair – Position #13, General Public
Gary Rowe, PE – Vice-Chair – Position #12, General Public
The Honorable Dr. Jeralee Anderson, PE – Position #2, City Elected Official
Justin Clary, PE – Position #8, Sewer & Water District
The Honorable Jerome Delvin – Position #5, County Elected Official
Mark Dorsey, PE – Position #3 – City Engineer
Darlene McHenry – Position #10, General Public
The Honorable Lora Petso – Position #7, Sewer & Water District Elected Official
Monica Santos-Pinacho – Position #11, General Public
Kelly Snyder, MPA – Position #6, Snohomish County Public Works Director
The Honorable Ed Stern – Position #1, City Elected Official
Matthew Stevie – Position #9, Public Utility District
The Honorable Sharon Trask – Position #4, County Elected Official
CURRENT VACANCIES:
None.
Interested applicants should contact the designated nominating organizations, or Board Liaison Ava Gombosky for more information.
Public Works Board members are appointed by the Governor of the State of Washington. Visit the Governor’s Boards & Commissions webpage for more information.
Legislative District Fact Sheets
2022 PWB Overview
2022 Broadband Funding Cycle
2022 Broadband Budget Request Factsheet
2022 Broadband Statutory Changes Factsheet
2022 Traditional Programs Funding Cycle
2022 Traditional Programs Budget Request Factsheet
PWB and CERB Partners in Broadband
2019 PWB Reference Guide
Board Meeting Information
The Public Works Board’s next meeting is June 3, 2022. This meeting will be from 8:30 to 12:30 on Zoom. Members of the public can join via Zoom or at the Olympia office of the Department of Commerce.
Board meetings are open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. These meetings are being held virtually on ZOOM through the end of 2020. Please utilize the monthly Board Meeting Agenda for connection information and meeting times.
If you would like to be on the Public Works Board email distribution list, please send an email to Jason.Freeze@commerce.wa.gov.
Staff Information
Karin Berkholtz
Executive Director
Karin.Berkholtz@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-688-0313
Mark Rentfrow
Program Director
Mark.Rentfrow@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-529-6432
Cindy Chavez
Budget Analyst
Cindy.Chavez@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-725-3154
Jason Freeze
Resource and Development Project Manager
Jason.Freeze@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-764-9429
Ava Gombosky
Board Liaison
Ava.Gombosky@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-338-5739
Maria Jawad
Management Analyst
Maria.Jawad@commerce.wa.gov
360-688-6008
Chase Johnson
Project Manager
Chase.Johnson@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-764-0392
Bridget Pechtel
Project Manager
Bridget.Pechtel@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 360-870-9288
Sheila Richardson
Broadband Program Manager
Sheila.Richardson@commerce.wa.gov
Phone: 564-999-1927
Policy support, administrative support, and client outreach are provided for the Public Works Board by the Washington State Department of Commerce.