By Paul Alleva, The Chronicle, 2/12/2002
The Chehalis City Council appeared convinced after Monday's public hearing that Chehalis residents are interested enough in a federal hazard mitigation grant program to justify the city's applying for the money.
Up to $2.5 million in grant money may be available from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said Chehalis Grants Administrator Marilyn Riebe.
The council held the public hearing to find out whether residents wanted the city to spend the grant money on seismic retrofitting of buildings damaged by the Feb. 28 Nisqually earthquake or on mitigation programs for homes damaged by repetitive flooding.
Riebe must know what residents want so she can send a nonbinding letter of intent to the Washington Military Department's Emergency Management Division, which would administer the grant, by Feb. 15.
"I am receiving on average five to 10 calls a day," Riebe told the council.
She said she has received one written inquiry, to which she has responded, and one phone call from someone who wants to know what happens at the public hearing.
Of the 10 people who spoke during the hearing, nine said they were concerned about the damage to their homes fro repetitive flooding.
Repetitive-flood mitigation projects include home elevation house moving and home buyout programs.
Two people said they would prefer to have their homes elevated, two said they would prefer the buyout option, two said they would welcome either option. Several people did not express a preference, so Mayor Bob Spahr encouraged them to sign the letter of intent and decide later how to mitigate their situation.
Spahr also encouraged anyone who did not wish to speak during the public hearing to express their interest to Riebe afterward.
Anyone wishing to talk with Riebe may reach her at 7480271 . Ext. 231.
Paul Alleva covers public issues for The Chronicle. He may be reached by e-mail at palleva@chronline.com or by calling 807-8239.
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