Chehalis Basin Board holds special meeting Aug. 3

Board will discuss work plan, projects and funding

The Chehalis Basin Board will hold a special meeting on Thursday, Aug. 3, in Montesano. The Board is tied to the new Office of Chehalis Basin that the Washington Legislature established within Ecology on July 1.

Lawmakers tasked the seven-member Board with developing a long-term strategy to reduce flood damage and restore aquatic species habitat in the Chehalis River basin. The Board is also responsible for developing budget recommendations to the governor.

At its Aug. 3 meeting, the Board will begin to address how best to move forward with flood control projects and habitat restoration plans in the basin without a state capital budget.

The previous iteration of the Board, the Governor’s Chehalis Basin Work group, requested $60 million in state and federal funding in the capital budget to help pay for projects, studies and plans to reduce flood damage and restore aquatic habitat in the Chehalis basin.

However, since the Legislature adjourned without passing the capital budget, it means some of this work may be delayed and Ecology no longer has funding to hire a director for the new Office of Chehalis Basin and other supporting staff. 

Board meeting topics

The August special board meeting will begin at 9 a.m. at the Montesano City Hall, 112 N. Main St. in Montesano. Agenda items include:

 

• An overview of the two-year Chehalis Basin Strategy 2017-19 work plan.
• Options for continuing work to reduce flood damage and restore aquatic species habitat in the Chehalis River basin without a state capital budget.
• Presentations and updates regarding potential options to construct a flood retention facility and to make levee improvements at the Chehalis-Centralia Airport.
• Discussion regarding the Restorative Flood Protection action and the Aquatic Species Restoration Plan.

There will also be time set aside for public comment. Please come and join us as we embark on this important work.

 

Email Ecology’s Chrissy Bailey for more information.

Contact: Curt Hart at (360) 407-6944