Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: CD - Community Development

Directors' Update: May 31, 2023

Business Meeting: June 6, 2023

Summary:

An Interlocal Agreement among Chehalis River Basin communities for study, analysis and implementation of flood hazard reduction solutions in the basin

Publications: n/a

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To: Sarah Hensley

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Chehalis River Basin (Basin) in Southwestern Washington State has a clear and prolonged history of chronic flooding with major flooding causing catastrophic damage occurring on average once or more per decade from the Chehalis River and its major tributaries; and

WHEREAS, many communities, industries, properties, and human lives are threatened by Basin flood events; and

WHEREAS, Basin communities are interested in finding cost-effective, long-term, sustainable and environmentally responsible methods to protect themselves and others from the hazards of major Chehalis River Basin flood events; and

WHEREAS, the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority (Flood Authority), pursuant to the authority of RCW 39.34.030, was created through Interlocal Agreement, followed by subsequent amendments, by and between Lewis County, Grays Harbor County, Thurston County; the cities of Aberdeen, Centralia, Chehalis, Cosmopolis, Hoquiam, Montesano, Napavine and Oakville; and the towns of Pe Ell and Bucoda, all political subdivisions of the State of Washington, hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Basin governments” and individually as “Basin government," to develop and participate in the development of flood hazard reduction solutions throughout the Basin; and

WHEREAS, during the May 18, 2023, Flood Authority meeting, the members discussed and recommended membership present to their respective boards for consideration, the 2023 final draft Interlocal Agreement re-affirming the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority, pursuant to the authority of RCW 39.34.030, as well as Lewis County to act as the Lead Administrative Agent; and

WHEREAS, it appears to be in the best public interest to authorize the execution of the Interlocal Agreement.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the Lewis County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) hereby approves the Interlocal Agreement among the Basin Communities and authorizes the chair to sign the same.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 6th day of June, 2023.