Note: this is the first newspaper story about the Citizens Advisory Committee in several months.
SOUNDING BOARD
Lewis County committee has four-pronged funding plan
By Sharon Michael, The Chronicle, 4/11/98
The Lewis County Flood Control Citizens' Advisory Committee will act as a "sounding board" during continuation of Pacific International Engineering's flood reduction work on the Chehalis River.
But county employees and PIE will take the lead in coordinating planning, design and permitting of proposed projects with other local, state and federal government organizations, tribal authorities and private parties.
Lewis County commissioners clarified the committee's role in a letter sent to members this week.
Commissioners expect the Chehalis River project to be funded in four phases:
"Keeping in mind the multi-ownership and the fact that this project was under way before the CAC was formed, we need to clarify your involvement," the commissioners wrote.
"We think the CAC has a legitimate role in making recommendations which involve either local political or financial support for the latter phases of the project."
PIE's proposed flood reduction work includes modifications to the Skookumchuck River Dam and excavation under the Mellen Street Bridge in Centralia, as well as at various points north and south of the bridge. A report detailing PIE's preliminary work is due to be published by the end of the month.
Bob Berg, Lewis County director of general administration, and Harry Hosey, PIE manager, have been calling on state and federal elected officials and regulatory agencies, seeking money for the multi-million dollar project.
The county is seeking state and federal transportation money that would otherwise go toward elevating Interstate 5 to keep it from flooding.
PIE's proposal has the potential to reduce flooding in the Twin Cities and keep the freeway open for about the same cost of elevating it.
"The time line for the PIE project is unknown," the commissioners said. "Construction could begin two or five years from today, depending on the permitting process, public review, and funding.
"We need your support of our efforts," commissioners told the committee.
"The county has no long term financing for flood control efforts. There will be costs for construction, operation and maintenance, enforcement, expanded staffing, and associated studies that will need funding," commissioners said.
"Advice will also be needed as to costs prioritization and costs allocation in order to maximize use of financial resources. Providing for additional revenue is a sensitive matter with the public, and we would appreciate having the widest range of citizen perspective before seeking local dollars."
In the interim, commissioners said they would like the committee to continue to work on:
The advisory committee was formed in July 1997. Chairman Duane Bryant said since then the group has been on a "learning curve," but he expects it will soon start making more recommendations.
"I know the commissioners want our opinions," he added.
But he noted the committee is advisory, and is "not in a position to dictate."
"We're in the talking stages," he said. "Committee members have different ideas of how to keep dry. We need to look at the Newaukum and Cowlitz, not just the Chehalis. There's a lot of work to be done."
Bryant said committee meetings have been very constructive, although, he pointed out, "People don't always see things the same way."
The next committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 6 p.m. in room 2 of the Lewis County Courthouse Annex, Chehalis. There was no quorum at the March 18 meeting.