Information

Type: Deliberation

Department: DES - Emergency Management (Dept. of Emergency Services)

Directors' Update: Sept. 16, 2026

Business Meeting: Sept. 22, 2026

Summary:

For fiscal year 2026 per Substitute Senate Bill 6003 Sec. 1048(25)(10) provided passthrough from Washington State Military Department for funds to eligible counties identified under Emergency Proclamation 25-07.2, for the purpose of debris removal in rivers and waterways related to the December 2025 severe weather and flooding events in Washington. 

Lewis County Emergency Management applied for this grant due to meeting the eligible costs associated with debris removal activities in rivers and waterways impacted by the December 2025 severe weather and flood event impacting the Cowlitz River.

The associated material include for removal are: two Conex shipping containers, approximately six recreational vehicles, one vehicle (SUV), and additional mixed household and flood-generated debris. The identified debris is located in and along the Cowlitz River river channel. The debris poses ongoing risk to public safety, critical infrastructure, water quality, flood conveyance, navigation, and downstream resources. 

Priority of removal is based on the size and location of debris, potential for mobilization during future high-water events, threats to public safety and infrastructure, and potential impacts to river conveyance and downstream resources. 

Publications:

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To:

Resolution

WHEREAS, a series of storm systems beginning on December 8, 2025, caused widespread flooding and damage in Lewis County and across the state; and

WHEREAS, the state's Washington Military Department Emergency Management Division has launched a grant to support county-led debris removal and waterway clearance projects related to the December 2025 severe weather and flooding events identified under the state's emergency proclamation, Proclamation 25-07.2; and

WHEREAS, substantial amounts of debris identified in and along the Cowlitz River channel pose ongoing risks to public safety, critical infrastructure, water quality, flood conveyance, navigation and downstream resources; and

WHEREAS, the debris includes two Conex shipping containers, approximately six recreational vehicles, one vehicle (SUV) and additional mixed household and flood-generated waste; and

WHEREAS, funding totaling $1,500,000 is available from the Flood Response: Waterway and Debris Clearance Grant Program, which is designed to protect public safety and critical infrastructure, reduce downstream flood risk, restore waterway capacity and improve long-term community resilience through targeted debris removal activities in impacted rivers, streams and waterways; and

WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has reviewed the agreement with the Washington State Military Department for the Flood Response: Waterway and Debris Clearance Grant Program; and

WHEREAS, the contract amount of $1,500,000 for debris removal program costs associated with the Cowlitz River was not included in Lewis County's Department of Emergency Management (DEM) budget; and

WHEREAS, DEM wishes to enter into this agreement to receive the funds for the State Flood Response Grant that will provide the funding need to remove debris associated with the 2025 December flood event; and

WHEREAS, it is the best public interest to authorize the execution of this agreement of Lewis County.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED the BOCC hereby approves the agreement with the Washington State Military Department to accept $1,500,000 in Flood Response: Waterway and Debris Clearance Grant Program funding to support debris removal in rivers and waterways of Lewis County; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) authorizes the BOCC Chair to sign the State Flood Response Grant agreement on behalf of Lewis County.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 22nd day of September, 2026.