Flood News through 1999 and 2000

• Dec. 29, 2000 In an editorial The Chronicle speaks out against recent flood decision making study and favors structural type projects as the only practical way to address floods and jobs.
• Dec. 28, 2000 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will place heavy emphasis on public outreach on two current projects affecting the southwest region of the state.
• Dec. 23, 2000 Does 'growth coalition' dominate Chehalis River? This question is asked and addressed in an article from The Chronicle.
• Dec. 20, 2000 The Chehalis Flood Hazard Reduction Study minutes for the 4th working group meeting are available.
• Dec. 20, 2000 The Chehalis Flood Hazard Reduction Study minutes for the 5th working group meeting are available.
• Dec. 20, 2000 A Memo for the record identifies the action items that surfaced from the meeting with the resource agencies dealing with the Chehalis Flood Hazard Reduction Study program.
• Dec. 18, 2000 Engineers from Pacific International Engineering presented a slate of flood control proposals to members of the Chehalis River Basin Partnership on Friday at the Lucky Eagle Casino on the Chehalis Indian Reservation.
• Dec. 12, 2000 The Corps of Engineers seems somewhat like seasonal dish being roasted in this report from American Rivers.
• Dec. 10, 2000 The Chehalis Basin Partnership (CBP) agenda for December and November meeting notes are available online. The minutes includes information on meeting attendance, dedision making and election of chair and vice-chair.
• Dec. 09, 2000 The Chronicle reports Pharos Corp., PIE, Lewis & Grays Harbor, and cities met with Corps of Engineers to discuss vacant project manager position and other related flood topics./
• Nov. 30, 2000 For those with the right hardware and software, FEMA has a tutorial: How to Read a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). FEMA also annouonced other tut orials and other types of information availability.
• Nov. 11, 2000 The title of this study says it all: Why Do (or Don't) Local Government Officials Participate in Watershed Planning Efforts?
• Nov. 10, 2000 The Chronicle reports that Pacific International Engineering reviewed Centralia- Chehalis flood solutions with local EDC.
• Oct. 30, 2000 In response to an inquiry from the Chehalis River Council to the Corps of Engineers, we have been added to a distribtuion list for materials related to the Ecosystem Restoration and Mitigation Working Group. This Corps of Engineers provided material is presented for your information as it relates to the ongoing developments surrounding flooding in the Centralia, Chehalis and greater Chehalis watershed. This material is a 'work in progress'.
• Oct. 12, 2000 Appendix VI Survey Results has been added to the Flood Policy in Lewis County report. Among the topics in this appendix are:
  1. Flooding is a Critical Issue
  2. Government Communication on Flood Policy Needs Improvement
  3. Public Disenfranchisement from Flood Policy Development
  4. Lewis County Flood Policy Fails to Reflect Public Values
  5. Policy Considerations Reflect Dichotomy in Public Values
• Oct. 11, 2000 The flood decision making thesis has been updated with these additions:
  • Oct. 22, 2000 Only in Washington State could such utter mass confusion between agencies, local county government and residents take place. No wonder folks are confused, angry and bitter over government decision making ability.
  • Oct. 20, 2000 For the first time in many years, local officials cut a yellow ribbon to celebrate construction of what may be the beginning of a series of flood-control measures built in Lewis County.
  • Chapter IX: Ensuring Meaningful Public Participation in Government Policy Decision-making
  • Bibliography
  • Appendix I: The Interviews
  • Appendix II: Chehalis River Flood History
  • Appendix III: Supporting Materials
  • Appendix IV: Assessing Growth Coalition Indicators in Lewis County Flood Policy Decision-making
  • Appendix V: Organizations Involved in Flood Plain Management in Lewis County
• Oct. 11, 2000 New pictures have been added to this Sept. 25 article: "Long Road Dike in Chehalis is a work in progress " according to this article from The Chronicle.
• Oct. 11, 2000 Two more chapters:
  Chapter VII: Growth Coalition Control of Local Policy Decision-making: Implications
  and Chapter VIII: Recommendations from the report Flood Policy on the Chehalis River in Lewis County, Washington: Who Makes the Decisions? are now available online.
• Oct. 10, 2000 "The Politics of Flood Plain Management on the Chehalis River " and "Growth Management Planning" are the topics of two new chapters r ecently added to the "Flood Policy on the Chehalis River in Lewis County" document.
• Oct. 09, 2000 Chapters 1 through 4 have been converted and are available so you can examine:"Who controls decisions on public policy choices related to flood control in Lewis County, Washington? Two reasearchers, Katarzyna Pierzga and Amy Manchester Harris, examine the influence of "pro-growth" advocates on local government policy decisions."
• Oct. 03, 2000 In a 9/30 meeting Rep. Brian Baird states: "Over $1.5 million will be used specifically for this county." A special thanks to Amy Emrson and The Chronicle for reporting on this Saturday meeting with elected officials.
• Sep. 30, 2000 In The Chronicle we learn that the Corps of Engineers has started drilling tests at Skookumchuck Dam to see if it can support a flood control addition.
• Sep. 29, 2000 We are not alone when it comes to flood issues and politics. Here are two stories of issues faced by flood vict ims in other states.
• Sep. 28, 2000 We're almost late, here is an announcement about Grays Harbor Flood Hazard Management Plan meetings tonight and October 3rd. Thanks to The Montesano Vidette
• Sep. 25, 2000 Long Road Dike in Chehalis is a work in progress according to this article from The Chronicle.
• Sep. 23, 2000 Here's an advance copy of the agenda for the Sept 29 Chehalis Basin Partnership meeting and the minutets of the August meeting. Lots of water, salmon and flood issue commentary.
• Sep. 15, 2000 According to The Chronicle:The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin test drilling into the earthen Skookumchuck Dam next week to determine the dam's strength and the feasibility of using it for a proposed flood-control project.
• Sep. 12, 2000 WaDOE has been revising the Stormwater Manual for Western Washington and the draft was available in fall of 1999. The comment period for the final draft is open and will close November 17. Public workshops, availability of copies and other information is available through WaDOE.
• Sep. 12, 2000 The July-December 1999 Compendium of Flood Map Changes, which includes a listing of changes made to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) maps that became effective during the last 6 months of 1999, is now available
• Aug. 30, 2000 Local residents have organized a flood infromation meeting to be held September 5 at Swede Hall.
• Aug. 28, 2000 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers crews will attempt to reduce chronic flood problems on the Napa River not by pouring concrete, but by tearing it out.
• Aug. 27, 2000 The Chehalis Indian Tribe project addresses fish recovery and flood control along the Newaukum, according to this article from The Chronicle.
• Aug. 22, 2000 An ongoing flood-control study for the Chehalis River Basin will receive another $1 million of state money after Lewis County commissioners approved the pass-through expenditure Monday, according to The Chronicle.
• Aug. 22, 2000 Flood solutions? Here's some info on floodplain acquisition, floodplain easements and a erosion hazards report. Will these be part of the solution to flooding along the Chehalis system?
• Aug. 20, 2000 For some new thoughts on droughts, floods and suburban sprawl, this recent article might be of interest.
• Aug. 17, 2000 The Olympian reports that the Chehalis Tribe has $2.5 million for two bridge project on Anderson road and is interested in other flood issues related to bridges and roads.
• Aug. 09, 2000 FEMA has a list of all NFIP accepted numerical models.
• Aug. 09, 2000 The Chronicle reports that Lewis County commissioners plan a hearing (8/21) to discuss routing another $1 million into PIE's flood study work.
• Aug. 03, 2000 While out of our watershed this flood in Alaska truly demonstrates the unpredictable characteristics of weather events.
• Jul. 29, 2000 FEMA has announced new guidelines describing data and procedures for computing flood flow.
• Jul. 21, 2000 The Chronicle reports that flooding and water quality issues are the subject of two recent petitions against Lewis County GMA plan.
• Jul. 21, 2000 The Chronicle reports that an end to the flooding problems in south Chehalis is not near, but the city is one step closer to finding a solution after completing a $58,000 stormwater basin study for the area.
• Jul. 19, 2000 The Chronicle reports that: Flood-reduction work for the Chehalis River Basin continues to win support from Washington representatives.
• Jul. 17, 2000 The Chronicle reports that Washington's U.S. senators are fighting to allocate $1.75 million to the Centralia/Chehalis area to protect against damages caused flooding and erosion.
• Jul. 09, 2000The Chronicle reports that: Floods, fish and fear are the driving forces behind protectors of Washington's environment, much to the joy and frustration of Chehalis city planners.
• Jul. 04, 2000 U.S. Rep. Brian Baird, D-Was announced this week the House of Representatives has approved $3.3 million in federal funding for energy and water projects in Southwest Washington, including two involving flooding on Chehalis River and its tributaries.
• Jun. 23, 2000 Here's a quick look at streambank issues in June 1900, just 100 years ago.
• Jun. 09, 2000 The Montesano Vidette reports that Grays Harbor County taken to court for a second time over over gravel pit decision
• May. 12, 2000 The USGS announces the availability of a flood fact sheet.
• May. 11, 2000 Up-to-date information on flood mappijng needs across the nation is now available on-line.
• May. 01, 2000 Dogs and salmon, wetlands and oysters, fecal coliform and Grays Harbor, license plates and wildlife conservation, flooding and buyouts; these are just some of the topics in the May 2000 online edition of Drops of Water.
• Mar. 14, 2000 A Columbia River project (not in our area, but managed by the Corps of Engineers, which has local projects) has drawn criticism in this report from the Daily Astorian.
• Mar. 08, 2000 FEMA's "Multi-Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment" report is now available it describes and assesses the many natural and technological hazards facing the United States.
• Mar. 07, 2000 American Rivers has provided another Corps Reform update including info on the Corp's boondoggles.
• Mar. 06, 2000 Fifteen Lewis County landowners and the Evaline Community Association have petitioned the Growth Management Hearings Board to invalidate Lewis County's Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
• Mar. 03, 2000 Two of the most talked about U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in the region are now becoming the talk of the nation - and these difficulties underlie some of the potential activities in this watershed.
• Feb. 28, 2000 The issues concerning the credibility of the U.S. Corps of Engineers spilled over in the Columbia River area and maybe pertinent to local Lewis County projects.
• Feb. 26, 2000 Development at exit 72 near Chehalis draws concerns about flooding from WaDOE according to this The Chronicle story.
• Feb. 22, 2000 The I-5 Flood meeting last week was part of the flood story, here are flood control alternatives as seen by the Alternatives Subcommittee.
• Feb. 22, 2000 For recent news on the Chehalis Basin Partnership, water quality, fish grants, flooding and more here is a summary and the agenda for February 25, 2000.
• Feb. 18, 2000 The Chronicle reports that large group let officials know their concerns about flooding in this Chehalis River Council sponsored meeting in Chehalis.
• Feb. 16, 2000 WaDOE clamped down on a developer. Here is an example of why watersheds need involved citizens.
• Feb. 16, 2000 The Chehalis River Council is hosting a meeting on Interstate 5 plans and flooding - read about it here!
• Feb. 10, 2000 In an extremely wise decision Thurston County Commissioners ban building in flood prone areas!
• Feb. 04, 2000 Thurston County is considering a limit to building in flood areas according to the report from the Olympian.
• Jan. 27, 2000 It's part of the Chehalis watershed, but Thurston County views planned port development of Salmon Creek flood area differently than Lewis County views port development along the Chehalis floodplain.
• Jan. 27, 2000 Exit 72 flood fill poses no imminent danger to I-5 according to an article in The Chronicle.
• Jan. 27, 2000 Centralia city councilors approve plat that could lead to 400,000 cubic yards of fill in the Chehalis River floodplain, according to this report from The Chronicle.
• Jan. 25, 2000 Lewis County's flood control project may be a casualty of I-695 but EMS has plans for flood events , according to this report from The Chronicle.
• Jan. 20, 2000 FEMA has provided this update on news related to flood mapping issues!
• Jan. 18, 2000 The Chronicle reports: A Port of Centralia subdivision that could bring 400,000 cubic yards of fill onto the Chehalis River flood plain has neighbors more than a little concerned.
• Jan. 12, 2000 The Chronicle reported a 5pm (today) deadline to comment on 7,800 cubic yards of fill. WWW readers are already too late to comment, but as Mr. Nacht said "These people have the same opportunity to protect themselves".
• Jan. 12, 2000 The Chronicle reports that Centralia City Council decides 400,000 cubic yards of fill won't make floodling worse.
• Jan. 12, 2000 What's happening with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers? Here are some short news clips provided by American Rivers.
• Jan. 02, 2000 Centralia's new treatment siting is reviewed in the Jan 1 article from The Chronicle.
• Dec. 26, 1999 The saga of Exit 72 fill in the floodplain is continued with this Opinion Page Commentary from the Dec 23 issue of The Chronicle.
• Dec. 26, 1999 Grays Harbor had heavy flooding according to this story 12/23/9 from The Montesano Vidette .
• Dec. 18, 1999 Lewis County Commissioners defend permits for new development in floodplain, according to this article from the 12/18 edition of The Chronicle.
• Dec. 18, 1999 On Dec. 14, 1999 The Chronicle carried readers comments addressing honesty in dealing with flood plain fill and another dealing with controls on flood plain fill
• Dec. 11, 1999 WaDOT takes an interest in 11,000 cubic yard fill in Lewis County.
• Dec. 02, 1999 Thurston County is considering new rules governing flood plains.
• Dec. 02, 1999 American Rivers has provided us an update on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Dec. 01, 1999 American Rivers provided an update on the other Washington where recent legislation included: a new $30 million Missouri River restoration program and expansion of an existing program to buy 118,650 acres of floodplain land; A new 5-year, $200 million floodplain relocation and restoration program; and Planning reforms to aid consideration of non-structural flood control projects.
• Oct. 25, 1999 New law on flood mitigation, known as Challenge 21 which fosters relocation of homeowners and restoration of the ecosystem through the Corps of Engineers.
• Oct. 17, 1999 Here is a copy of a letter dealing with more issues identified in the flood plan for the Chehalis basin.
• Oct. 16, 1999 Another resident has written the Corps of Engineers with concerns about the proposed flood plan.
• Oct. 15, 1999 Here is one response to the request for public input dealing with the recent actions of Lewis County and the Corps of Engineers who are cicrculating a draft agenda for scoping and environmental impact statement.
• Oct. 15, 1999 Local residents have expressed concern about the stockpiling of fill in the floodplain.
• Oct. 10, 1999 American Rivers has provided an update on the Corps reform and is asking for reports of wasteful Corps projects.
• Oct. 09, 1999 Check this out if you are interested in news on flood mapping.
• Oct. 06, 1999 Interested in decisons of the Washington Supreme Court? They have decided on flood and water issues.
• Sep. 30, 1999 The Chronicle "Our Views" editorial expresses concern about the length of time required for studies on the solutions to Chehalis River flooding.
• Sep. 30, 1999 Thanks to Centralia City efforts homes have been moved from the floodplain and others have had their FEMA flood insurance rates reduced.
• Sep. 30, 1999 The Chronicle reports on 8/29 that $250,000 in federal funds set aside for studies to prevent flood damage in the Chehalis River Basin.
• Sep. 30, 1999 The Chronicle reports the Centralia-Chehalis Flood Damage Reduction Study has shifted into a review of environmental issues.
• Sep. 28, 1999 A Grays Harbor hearing on Oct. 4 will deal with flood related issues. In particular the request would exempt certain accessory and pole buildings from elevations and flood-proofing requirements, and allow encroachments including fill, new construction, substantial improvements and other development in cases where a registered professional engineer or architect provides a certification demonstrating that the encroachment does not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge.
• Sep. 24, 1999 Thurston County helps residents in the Hickman Ditch area with improovements to drain flood prone area.
• Sep. 23, 1999 The Corps of Engineers sent a letter announcing EIS meetings.
• Sep. 20, 1999 Lewis County and the Corps of Engineers are cicrculating a draft agenda for scoping and environmental impact statement. The meetings are next week!
• Sep. 11, 1999 The Chronicle reports that as soon as the environmental impact statement is delivered and the public gets a look at it, plans to build a wastewater treatment facility at the Flying T Ranch northwest of Centralia will proceed.
• Sep. 10, 1999 It is only early September, but already some of us have lost our power for extended periods, and lost telephone service for over two days. These nice weather events raise the question: are you ready for winter storms?
• Sep. 10, 1999 On September 1 the Thurston County Hearing Examiner granted an appeal of an earlier SEPA Mitigated Determination of Non Signfigance (MDNS) which dealt with a manure lagoon in the 100 year flood plain. The decision might be of interesest to residents of floodplains in the Chehalis watershed.
• Sep. 05, 1999 Federal flood assistance is being provided to residents in Tillamook.
• Sep. 03, 1999 thanks to American Rivers we have an update on the topic of Corps Reform, and it deals with water and flood related issues.
• Aug. 30, 1999 Here is some of the latest news in flood hazard mapping.
• Aug. 24, 1999 The Chronicle reports that I-695 can cut flood-control cash.
• Aug. 24, 1999 According to The Olympian, Thurston County OKs routing Hickman Creek water to Salmon Creek.
• Aug. 12, 1999 The City of Ocean Shores Interdisciplinary Team on Coastal Erosion Management has published this recommendation to the Ocean Shores City Council. It is of general interest to all Washington residents.
• Aug. 12, 1999 In a surprisingly pleasant move, Thurston County approves a six-month building moratorium in floodprone areas!
• Jul. 27, 1999 The Chronicle reports that Bucoda reviews final draft of a flood hazard management plan.
• Jul. 23, 1999 A flood position paper produced by the Western Governors Association, in 1997, might be of interest to local flood victims.
• Jun. 30, 1999 Flood study worth $22 million awarded to PIE.
• Jun. 28, 1999 Online national map of daily streamflow color codes what's up or down read about it here, with link to U.S. Map
• Jun. 20, 1999 American Rivers provides this update on Corps of Engineers flood control and related projects.
• June 01, 1999 Thurston County Commissioners plan a June 7 hearing on county flood hazard management plan.
• May. 27, 1999 WaDOT announces a special flood meeting June 8, 1999
• May. 27, 1999 The Chronicle announces that Lewis County is issuing a short turnaround bid opportunity for flood consultant.
• May. 22, 1999 According to The Chronicle a proposed highway linking Lewis County to Mount St. Helens and a flood-control study on the Chehalis River Basin both received a boost from the Legislature this week.
• May. 21, 1999 "Seeking an end to flood of claims" is the subject of this report published by National Wildlife (NWF WWW site) , with permission of National Wildlife Federation.
• May. 15, 1999 Montesano collects an 'impervious surface' property tax to finance stormwater improvements which are intended to reduce flooding.
• May. 05, 1999 Thurston County residents ask for building moratorium to help stop flooding.
• May. 05, 1999 Local resident asks WaDOE to reverse Lewis County SEPA decision.
• May. 05, 1999 In the news from Washington D.C. the House passed the Water Resources Development Act of 1999 which instructs the Corps to look more towards wetlands and estuary restoration, flood warning system improvement, and relocation of buildings and communities out of floodplains and the Senate and House will consider bills on Coastal and Marine Management It is all right here.
• May. 04, 1999According to The Capital Press the '99 Legislature approves and Gov. Locke signs bill for farmers in floodways.
• Apr. 29, 1999 The Chronicle reports that the cities of Centralia and Chehalis won't have to return flood money to the state.
• Apr. 29, 1999 According to The Chronicle Lewis County will refund money, won't have to remove flood dike.
• Apr. 28, 1999 Floods: 'Unnatural' disasters? We can't stop rivers from flooding, but we can stop making the floods worse.
• Apr. 24, 1999 The Chronicle reports that the flood study fight might be history.
• Apr. 21, 1999 How do you measure River flows without getting in the water? Find out here - April 22nd.
• Apr. 03, 1999 Though out of the area, this announcement shows the type of River study USGS can do for people.
• Apr. 03, 1999 Members of local group, SWAT, appeal to WaDOT on flood issues.
• Apr. 03, 1999 In "Toward 2000" The Chronicle analyzes the issue of flooding in Centralia-Chehalis.
• Apr. 01, 1999 the The Chronicle, in an editorial, gives bows to Harry Hosey and Commissioner Graham.
• Mar. 31, 1999 The Chronicle reports that PIE flood study funding maybe available from DOT
• Mar. 30, 1999 The General Accounting Office has filed a report on FEMA mitigation for disasters.
• Mar. 30, 1999 A U.S. Senate bill is intended to amend the disaster mitigation act.
• Mar. 25, 1999 Just found! Chehalis River Basin Flood Reduction Project report, online!
• Mar. 23, 1999 The Chronicle reports that flood control study funds have been used up.
• Mar. 23, 1999 American Rivers has released a new report that details land uses in floodplains and outlines recommendations for a new course for flood control policy. The report describes the values of natural floodplains; new strategies for floodplain management; available programs for relocation, creation of riverside trails and greenways, and restoration of floodplain habitat; alternative floodplain crops; and resultant economic, habitat, and water quality potential. The report also provides a number of detailed case studies. The report is now available online at http://www.amrivers.org/flood.html. American Rivers Flood Report

• Mar. 18, 1999 The National Weather Service prepared this summary of flood weather. For more information NWS- NOAA
• Mar. 11, 1999 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers responds to flood concerns.
• Mar. 11, 1999 Commissioner Graham responds to flood concern letter.
• Mar. 11, 1999 Late in February an individual complained about the flood plan as presented in Montesano February 16th.
• Mar. 11, 1999 Earlier in March members of SWAT took a position on some of the Lewis County flood issues.
• Mar. 11, 1999 Oregon has floods, Oregon has other solutions.
• Mar. 05, 1999 The Chronicle reports: Boil water, county advises well users of Fords and Waunch prairies.
• Mar. 02, 1999 The agency letter dealing with the controversial Lewis County flood study and plan is available online.
• Mar. 01, 1999 The CRC has taken a position on the proposed Centralia-Chehalis flood study.
• Feb. 27, 1999 The F L O O D delayed posting but this story on discord over flood study , by The Chronicle, deserves a good review.
• Feb. 27, 1999 The Chronicle reports the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is seen as funding source for Centralia Chehalis flood plan.
• Feb. 26, 1999 As The Chronicle story says: Rivers crest, but new rain is forecast.
• Feb. 26, 1999 While on flood watch the editor put together graphs on the recent floods upstream of Porter.
• Feb. 25, 1999 The Chronicle reports on anticipated flooding of the Chehalis
• Feb. 23, 1999 Here is an opportunity to attend a reasonably local seminar on rivers and floodplains.
• Feb. 18, 1999 The Chronicle reports on PIE flood meeting and public concerns.
• Feb. 17, 1999 The Chronicle reports the Legislature not dealing with flood problems.
• Feb. 15, 1999 How to other states and communties deal with major flood issues?
• Feb. 14, 1999 Folks in the Tillamook, Oregon area are addressing their flood situation.
• Feb. 09, 1999 WaDOT plans meetings on mitigation opportunities.
• Feb. 07, 1999 The Chronicle and The Montesano Vidette offer announcements of special flood control meetings on Feb. 16 and Feb 17.
• Jan. 31, 1999 The Chronicle reports on Chehalis flood control meeting held in Bucoda.
• Jan. 30, 1999 WA DOT plans meeting for improvements to Hwy 12 - from I-5 to Casino Feb. 3, 1999
• Jan. 30, 1999 Thurston County Flood Plan Work Group schedules a March 4 meeting.
• Jan. 14, 1999 The USGS has this general overview of streamflows and flooding.