Carlos Quiles took the oath as Tumwater's Police Chief at a June 16 City Council meeting that also unlocked more than $10 million in federal and local funding for two infrastructure projects.

Quiles, whose appointment the council confirmed June 2, took the ceremonial oath in a presentation by City Administrator Paul Simmons. He had been serving in an acting capacity before the confirmation. In a statement posted to the city's website, Quiles said he plans to assess departmental operations, build relationships, and restructure department leadership.

The council approved a Project Prospectus with the Washington State Department of Transportation for a roundabout at X Street and Capitol Boulevard.

Five grants totaling $5,373,000 fund the work, including $2,941,000 in federal money administered by Thurston Regional Planning Council. Total construction cost is estimated at $4,892,703, with remaining grant funds covering right-of-way acquisition through a separate contract with Tierra Right of Way Services.

That contract also got a boost. The council approved Supplemental Agreement No. 3 with Tierra, increasing the cap from $184,220 to $226,490 and extending the agreement through December 31, 2027. Transportation & Engineering Director Brandon Hicks said the additional $42,270 is covered by grants and the Transportation Capital Facilities Plan.

Both agreements had to be executed by June 30 to secure the federal funds.

The council approved a separate WSDOT prospectus for Segment C of the Deschutes Valley Trail, a 1.15-mile, 10-foot-wide ADA-compliant multi-use path running along Tumwater Valley Golf Course.

The segment carries a $5,552,700 price tag: $2,595,000 in federal funding through Thurston Regional Planning Council and $2,957,700 from the Metropolitan Park District, Park Impact Fees, and the General Fund.

The trail will eventually connect Tumwater Historical Park to Pioneer Park across seven segments. Capital Projects Manager Jared VerHey noted the same June 30 execution deadline applied.

Assistant City Administrator Kelly Adams briefed the council on economic development, highlighting concrete movement on the Brewery District. The Old Tumwater Brewery Boiler House demolition project advanced through the House Appropriations Committee and is included in the FY27 House budget via Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland's Community Project Funding.

The city also signed an agreement with Pioneer Technologies for Phase II environmental work on the Brewery Warehouse property.

Adams reported that staff submitted an Opportunity Zone application to the state Department of Commerce in partnership with the Thurston Economic Development Council.

The next Tumwater City Council meetings are scheduled for July 7, July 21, and August 18, all at 7 p.m. at Tumwater City Hall, 555 Israel Rd. SW.