Corps studies of North Jetty could lead to future flood control measures
Another $750,000 study of the harbor, which could aid Ocean Shores' erosion work, is cut back after lobbying from Westport
By Tom Hyde The North Coast News ncoastnews@coastaccess.com, 2/17/99
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin a study this year that could set the stage for flood control efforts at the North Jetty. The Corps also has funds for work related to any studies needed to support Ocean Shores effort to stem beachfront erosion.
The $20,000 study, the funding for which will come from the Corps' Grays Harbor Navigation Project operating and maintenance funds, will do some preliminary design work and figure out associated costs and benefits for various alternatives.
The Corps' Steve Babcock, who oversees many aspects of the navigation project, said the options are a pretty straightforward: raise the jetty, build a wall along the road, or put in a channel next to the jetty to allow water to drain during overtopping events. The study is an initial appraisal, with an emphasis on the cost/benefit ratio. The next step would be a "reconnaissance study" that would put everything together, including design and environmental review, followed by a full feasibility study which would then be submitted to Congress.
"For us to proceed with the next step, the economic benefits are going to have to outweigh the costs," Babcock said.
He agreed that sometimes steps in the process are sped up or skipped through Congressional appropriations.
Last year, Congress also added $84,000 to the Corps' budget to take a look at the oceanfront beach erosion issue in Ocean Shores. Corps' management made a decision to wait until the city is finished with its EIS process on coastal erosion. The Corps will then provide support for any studies that may need to be done that relate to the city's preferred erosion control strategy and the navigation project.
The Corps also has $750,000 in its budget for a broader study of the entire bay and navigation project. The scope of work includes looking at "beneficial uses of dredged material," often used as a euphemism for uses such as beach nourishment. But pressure from Westport has apparently killed much of the project, at least at this point.
The "Investigation of Physical Processes at the Entrance to Grays Harbor, Washington" had three main study tasks: a look at the South Jetty and possibility that some sand is being lost through it; a general collection ta on what is happening in the bay and on the beaches as it relates to the navigation project; and modeling of the bay, currents, waves, currents on adjacent beaches, and channels.
Babcock said the information would have been helpful to the Southwest Coastal Erosion Study being done by the U.S. Geological Survey and Washington Department of Ecology. The study also would have provided more information on impacts that the continued deepening of the channel is having on both the inner harbor and outer shore.
Funds for the project were coming from money saved on the Westport revetment extension, which may explain why the city has apparently opposed the last two items in the study (data collection and modeling).
"I believe the City of Westport feels they are responsible for the congressional add on (for the project)," said Babcock. "The City of Westport and the consultant (Pacific International Engineering) don't support the two. I understand Harry Hosey has made clear he doesn't support the final two items ... All I know is that Hosey met with (the director of the waterways research station) and the director of operations and shortly thereafter I was informed I wouldn't be able to fund the final two items."
Calls on Friday morning to the Mayor of Westport and City Administrator were not returned before deadline Tuesday morning.
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