Douglas County celebrated the completion of the McNeil Canyon Road Realignment Project with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

The event brought together local residents, Douglas County Fire District 4, representatives from the project’s general contractor Scarsella Brothers, Inc., and Douglas County Commissioners Marc Straub (Chair, District 3) and Dan Sutton (Vice Chair District 1), along with staff from the County’s Transportation Services Department. 

Douglas County Engineer Aaron Simmons reflected on the years of planning and coordination that made the project possible.

“In 2020 we really hit it hard to secure funds for the realignment effort,” said Simmons. “By 2022, we received about $2.6 million in grant funds from the County Road Administration Board (CRAB) and immediately began design work. With support from CRAB, that funding was later reconfigured to $3.3 million to accommodate expanded work and rising costs.”

Simmons expressed appreciation to CRAB, including Jane Wall, Executive Director; Drew Woods, Deputy Director; Derek Pohle, Support, Training, and Compliance Manager; and especially Steve Johnson, Grants and Programs Manager, who strongly advocated for Douglas County’s funding request. 

“Steve really pushed hard to get us the extra funds, and we truly appreciate that,” he added.

Simmons praised Scarsella Brothers for their partnership and craftsmanship throughout the project.

“They were a fantastic contractor to have on this project. Their quality of work and commitment to collaboration stood out to our whole team,” he said, recognizing Bob Scarsella, Brian Pflugger, and Jimmy Nolte for their leadership and teamwork.

He also thanked the project’s consultants: Grette Consultants/Farallon Consulting (biological reviews), Plateau CRM (cultural resources evaluations), Tierra Right of Way (ROW acquisition), and AAR Testing Laboratories (materials testing)—along with Douglas County’s Transportation Services team.

“It really boils down to the team here at Douglas County,” Simmons shared. “Everyone plays a role-whether in the field or in the office-and I’m so proud of how our team came together to make this project happen.”

Douglas County Board of Commissioners Chair, Marc Straub, spoke about the enduring significance of McNeil Canyon Road to Douglas County residents.

“For generations of families who have lived and worked in this part of the county, McNeil Canyon has been much more than a stretch of gravel and pavement; it’s been a vital connector for commerce, community, and families,” said Straub.

He reflected on the road’s origins in the early 1900s, noting that the Douglas County Surveyor’s 1905 statement described McNeil Canyon Road as a route that “will be of considerable importance not only to the settlement where it commences, but also as a general thoroughfare.”

“How profoundly correct that remains today,” Straub said. “This realignment helps ensure that McNeil Canyon continues to meet the needs of our citizens now and into the future.”

Commissioner Straub thanked local residents for their patience during construction, praised the professionalism of Scarsella Brothers and their traffic control crews, and commended Douglas County Engineer Aaron Simmons and the entire Transportation Services Department for their oversight and dedication.

Commissioner Straub concluded with a heartfelt tribute to longtime Road Superintendent Scott Reiman, whose passing just two weeks earlier was deeply felt by the County’s Transportation team.

“Scott Reiman was more than a colleague; he was a cornerstone of our Transportation Services team,” Straub said. “Over his 36-year career, he poured his energy, knowledge, and heart into making our county roads better. His sudden passing is a loss felt deeply by all who knew and respected him. It’s only fitting that we honor his legacy today as we celebrate this project.   A true symbol of service, dedication, and excellence.”

Douglas County Engineer Aaron Simmons also acknowledged the absence of Scott Reiman and Ty Howard, a Construction Inspector who also passed away, noting that their presence was deeply missed by colleagues during the celebration.

The completion of the McNeil Canyon Road Realignment Project marks an important milestone for Douglas County, improving accessibility and connectivity for residents, visitors, and local businesses. This achievement reflects the dedication and collaboration of County staff, consultants, contractors, and the community.

For more project information visit:  https://www.douglascountywa.net/667/McNeil-Canyon-Road-Realignment