By John Henderer The Chronicle 9/10/96, The Chronicle
A reduced number of floodprone properties in Chehalis, especially around the city's sewage treatment plant, may qualify for a government buyout program.
The City Council agreed Monday to submit an application requesting the state government buy about 34 buildings on property in the Florida Avenue and Shoreline Street area.
This project is estimated to cost $1.4 million, just under the $1.5 million maximum set by the state.
"Our total request (originally) was almost $11 million so we kind of had to cut back," said Joanne Schwartz, community services director.
Centralia officials have opted not to pursue a buyout but are preparing an application which would pay to elevate homes.
Chehalis city officials said they believe their scaled-down request may win state approval.
Bob Nacht, community development director, explained that the area recommended for the buyout is located around the city's wastewater treatment plant, 1191 N.W. Shoreline Dr. Officials had to select properties around the plant because of a funding requirement.
Officials plan to use wastewater funds to pay for the city's estimated cost share of $174,000. Using these funds required the properties be located around the plant.
Officials said property owners in the area have either supported the buyout or have not objected to it.
Nacht said buying land around the treatment plant would allow the city to use it for bioswales, wetlands, settlement basins and lagoons to further clean and filter the city's discharges into the Chehalis River.
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