Moving Longview into its next 100 years

It is now two months into the 100-year birthday celebration of Longview. There are so many great things worth celebrating in our lives, and in our community. Perhaps you attended the 100-year birthday kick-off at the historic Merk Building in January, or may have noticed the beautiful banners honoring our 100 years, placed by Sen. Jeff Wilson and team, located at the newly restored and installed Longview log arches (a special thank you to the Longview 23 Club) at Lake Sacajawea, and at the historic Shay locomotive located at the Longview Public Library. The Longview Public Library, one of the earliest buildings built in Longview, was initiated in 1923 with a generous gift of $150,000 by founder Robert and Martha Long. The library, dedicated in 1926, has continued to be a treasured part of our community. With Longview City Council approval of more than $800,000, the restoration of the Longview Public Library, including repairs to the roof, windows and brick grout to the exterior now shines bright again.

Each year the City Council has the opportunity to meet with our state and federal lobbyists and legislators to discuss capital budget requests and potential congressionally designated spending requests. We enjoy a great partnership with our state and federal representatives.

For 2023, our state and federal legislative agendas include the following opportunities for improvements in our community:

• Highlands Neighborhood Lighting and Safety Improvements – $500,000 toward lighting improvements in the Highlands Neighborhood.

• Martin’s Dock Replacement – $750,000 to renovate the historic Martin’s Dock, and to meet safety, seismic and ADA standards.

• Windemere Park Playground Replacement – $150,000 to renovate this wonderful 30-year-old neighborhood park playground.

• Columbia Heights Road Safety Improvement Project, Phase ll – $2.5 million toward new sidewalks for students attending Columbia Heights Elementary School and Cascade Middle School, and greater and safer mobility for those traveling on Columbia Heights Road.

• Hope Village – $1 million toward operations for the homeless micro community.

• Downtown Streetscape Project – $1.5 million to complete the final block of Commerce Avenue with enhanced sidewalks, lighting and other pedestrian improvements.

City of Kelso

Mike Karnofski Mayor