[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6286217,"mediaKeyId","2563689-ef7c926594070dfcd67e41e572f2bb56","parentId",2563689,"title","County staff propose countywide stormwater service, four‑year rate ramp to fund ditching, culverts and short‑span bridges","audioSeconds",1585,"startMs",9094000,"endMs",10679000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2563689-ef7c926594070dfcd67e41e572f2bb56&start=9094&end=10679","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2563689-ef7c926594070dfcd67e41e572f2bb56/thumbnail_9094000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6286217/Spokane-County/Washington/County-staff-propose-countywide-stormwater-service-fouryear-rate-ramp-to-fund-ditching-culverts-and-shortspan-bridges","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286217-4fc9cbb47cfcea5a3b31891be65e71e2/orig.mp4?Expires=1775610066&Signature=mS9IKirs4ZTzEzizVzsZrboJwFn4tidJdDU4FR~Bjn~DSkrKL63fGY4USo7d8Rw28CW5u~Me-Ij4m3vDS1FbSqL--yEupq-a-ZQ0EQz6diNtHEpUYUVcm9sioiAm0L~ONVLNUkKpuXGV6oWnwbQ1MY0aPUEwFl0ixTJ5lIHy5VqEz-9tVqhg29pXtMnJd3RyKKncjmaJSON1PoNeZe9JD46wfHGPSzA7emOn7sRm4i9-qGcz1cCsky7D9EzDXCLbji849xEhUAqNbriCqP60QtdwaN0xdegmEfR9mILDMpQqj8MTY4KKkzTwBQUHCak~50z9doqYy7ZKhjv6vc5qwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Spokane County, WA","date","2025-03-11T07:31:44Z","article","Spokane County public works staff recommended on March 10 that the county expand its stormwater service area to the entire unincorporated county and adopt a multi‑year fee schedule to finance a minimum countywide level of service for drainage, culvert maintenance and small bridge repairs.

Staff said the county’s current stormwater service boundary dates to the early 1990s and covers mostly urbanized areas; many rural roads, culverts and short‑span bridges remain outside that boundary and therefore have no dedicated stormwater revenue. After a March runoff event that caused multiple washouts, staff argued a countywide service and new fees would fund ditch cleaning, culvert clearing and replacements, targeted short‑span bridge work and staffing to meet NPDES permit inspection and enforcement duties.

The rate study and staff recommendation propose a minimum level of service applied countywide and a four‑year ramp from the initial recommended fee (roughly $4 per parcel equivalent in year one) to a target level of about $7 per parcel equivalent. Staff proposed gradual implementation to allow staffing ramp‑up and to avoid an immediate rate shock. At full ramp the program would generate about $10 million in annual revenue (staff estimate), while initial year collections would be under $6 million.

Public works staff said the new funds would enable a formal ditching program, a target completion rate for ditch/culvert maintenance of roughly 3% of the county road network per year, and a continuing program for small culvert and short‑span bridge replacements (replacement rate estimated at about 1% annually under the proposal). Staff emphasized that in‑house crews could perform many repairs more cheaply than contracting, and that a stable dedicated revenue stream would reduce the need to use the county road fund for emergency washout repairs.

Commissioners asked for more detail on permitted uses of the fee, examples of well‑drained shoulders vs. eroded roads, and exact current road fund transfers to emergency repairs; staff agreed to supply those numbers, a list of allowable expenditures, and the latest event cost estimates. No vote was taken March 10; staff proposed drafting two draft resolutions for public hearing (one to expand the service area and one to adopt the multi‑year rates) if the board wishes to proceed.

Staff said the county’s proposed fee would remain low compared with many peer Eastern Washington jurisdictions even after the increase. The county’s recommended target would keep Spokane County on the low end of regional stormwater fees while raising stable funding to address visible drainage problems and to protect road preservation budgets from one‑off emergency costs.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025.03.10 Strategic Planning Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Spokane County public works recommended expanding the stormwater service area countywide and phasing in a new fee over four years to fund ditching, culvert replacements and short‑span bridge work after recent runoff damage.","taxTitle","Spokane County, Washington","taxId",2643,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6286222,"County staff recommend renewing Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer protection area; timeline targets August ballot",1050,6963000,8013000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2563689-ef7c926594070dfcd67e41e572f2bb56&start=6963&end=8013","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2563689-ef7c926594070dfcd67e41e572f2bb56/thumbnail_6963000.jpg","/articles/6286222/Spokane-County/Washington/County-staff-recommend-renewing-Spokane-ValleyRathdrum-Prairie-Aquifer-protection-area-timeline-targets-August-ballot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286222-290b067328554e0ef0c9478a22dd2d7a/orig.mp4?Expires=1775610066&Signature=lnj~RAfGmJX7H3iC-L-CBSdOmzYmD7fN0Oot6HW35-pNYM~uGkwmxv-4NQdqL7rdS5JA7Cdwe3OjoE6c0HCAg9vl0F0Y9DdTRQXkQV0nByCTiaB26qZb6FP9SwRN5NML4Y2h96tdnsgy00ImNwOt7QmtJ3AFN0hCWmuD72aw7rQ6KmKPfBjO4rJi~CD-z8N4JhFJf5eO6CSurc68cjIVQSjHcs-RTqAD9sVQtrAGOX0mDLWMIHZgLxzX58VJ-58LvEeQCjCN38Juunrtx4F1PrV1dc2FdcPHyxmbKUlzl-01iclsJ22AM5uC2TKYvtzoWsdxMRe0gDeSx6vcPkrLRg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Spokane County staff presented an update on renewing the Spokane Valley‑Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Protection Area (APA) on March 10 and recommended placing a renewal measure on the August 2025 ballot to continue funding monitoring, planning, education and water‑related projects.

Amy (Water Resources) told commissioners the APA was first established in 1985 under state law (noted in the briefing as “RCW 36 36”) and last renewed in 2004. County staff said state law prevents including a city or town in an APA without that jurisdiction’s approval. Staff recommended a renewal of the existing APA footprint with an option for municipalities to join; staff said Liberty Lake has already passed a resolution to join and Millwood and the City of Spokane have expressed interest at the staff level.

County staff described allowable expenditures under the APA statute—planning, stormwater, sanitary sewer, drinking water, monitoring, enforcement and education—and said the county has historically used its share for monitoring, planning, sanitary projects and education. Staff shared a pie chart of 2023 APA spending that showed staffing and administration as the major outlays, with monitoring and education smaller shares.

Staff estimated the City of Spokane’s current parcel assessment yields roughly $1.8 million annually under the existing fee; the county asked commissioners to note the APA fee has not changed in about 40 years and to consider that the county’s internal administration costs and new program elements (for example, the Doris Morris Learning Center education program) changed recent spending patterns. Staff said the county is reassessing monitoring parameters and plans to remove some tests that have shown no detections for decades to reduce monitoring cost.

Staff proposed an August ballot to avoid overlapping a November parks and schools measure and noted ballot language and legal drafting deadlines (materials to elections by May 2 for an August measure). Commissioners discussed whether to include the West Plains or other areas in a separate APA and asked staff to model the revenue and program implications if expanded; staff said adding the West Plains likely would fund at minimum a monitoring program and that additional negotiations and interlocal language would be needed.

No final board action was taken on March 10. Commissioners asked staff to present a detailed timeline and to brief municipal councils; staff said they planned presentations to the City of Spokane committee schedule and would return with proposed resolutions and draft language.","County staff recommended renewing the Spokane Valley‑Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer Protection Area and targeting an August 2025 ballot to maintain funding for monitoring, education and water‑system planning.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6286227,"Spokane County Water Resources reports record outreach in 2024; Wetland Explorers program wins teacher buy‑in",638,3304000,3942000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2563689-ef7c926594070dfcd67e41e572f2bb56&start=3304&end=3942","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2563689-ef7c926594070dfcd67e41e572f2bb56/thumbnail_3304000.jpg","/articles/6286227/Spokane-County/Washington/Spokane-County-Water-Resources-reports-record-outreach-in-2024-Wetland-Explorers-program-wins-teacher-buyin","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286227-86284d97c1a6906307462837364a6fd6/orig.mp4?Expires=1775610066&Signature=Uk-AR5kBQCqcrpfZgRiZOBrsGIDlINAPYSCYENv3TI6RS3P2uYcPu6svJzy6gkybcj9MZt2258SdokqjhWcYU5SKjVl3puaq3CGPyzD0PIW2m~CpuZ9~to8tKeDJgSyAkrvGrw88bwGwjE--ZxcKR6dfZYhIG~a4ot6y8kafo77gdQDeCJ36LQh5DM1OdZQ4DKwgLLmgY9OY0SRGh9Q6a3IrNflXoAlPx0A0w3KteD5~VaQv-cKAd-PjqifFFJyE63SaMVqtgjuyoZ~1FDG6MoN90jLSo1YJWJAvxGYVJ7HGEcnIPC8JjZFF74Hel7wC-lgKcbNa9kkgw4fO7HFLfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Spokane County Water Resources presented its 2024 annual education report on March 10, saying the program produced record contact hours and expanded outdoor learning partnerships with local school districts.

Laura Goff, Water Resources education specialist, said the County’s Water Resource Center, the newly opened Doris Morris Learning Center and traveling programs reached 7,583 youth and 1,537 adults for a total of 9,163 contacts and 14,307 contact hours in 2024. Staff attributed the increase to more efficient programming, volunteer support and district partnerships that allowed a larger number of students to participate per day.

Goff described the Wetland Explorers program, funded by a $75,000 Recreation and Conservation Office “No Child Left Inside” grant, which trained 55 fifth‑grade teachers from Central Valley and East Valley school districts. The program includes teacher professional development, pre‑lessons aligned to fifth‑grade standards, a four‑hour field experience in waders with water‑testing and macroinvertebrate sampling, and post‑lesson integration. Participating teachers received a $250 stipend; the districts provided substitute time and a Central Valley district coordinator and support staff.

County staff said the program served 15,65 students through the Wetland Explorers season and provided roughly 6,260 student hours outdoors; staff noted many teachers reported improved student engagement and stronger science learning because of outdoor, hands‑on activities. Goff invited county officials to visit the Water Resource Center and Doris Morris Learning Center and to observe field activities.

Water Resources also reported broader partnerships with school districts and organizations across the county, described interactive new exhibits at the Water Resource Center (including an aquifer exhibit), and emphasized that the education program supports local NPDES permit compliance for stormwater and wastewater education requirements.

Commissioners praised the program’s teacher buy‑in and community partnerships; staff said Central Valley’s decision to fund substitutes and a coordinator greatly increased teacher participation. The presentation did not include a request for new county funding but asked commissioners to note the program’s reach and value as the county plans future education and outreach work.","County Water Resources reported 2024 outreach that reached 9,163 contacts and 14,307 contact hours, highlighted the Wetland Explorers program for fifth graders, and invited county officials to visit the new Doris Morris Learning Center.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6286232,"Spokane Regional Continuum of Care seeks to align 5‑year homelessness plan with HUD and county priorities",2421,2818000,5239000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2563689-ef7c926594070dfcd67e41e572f2bb56&start=2818&end=5239","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2563689-ef7c926594070dfcd67e41e572f2bb56/thumbnail_2818000.jpg","/articles/6286232/Spokane-County/Washington/Spokane-Regional-Continuum-of-Care-seeks-to-align-5year-homelessness-plan-with-HUD-and-county-priorities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286232-6fbcdee73d30c18ff75366cf90ef7a62/orig.mp4?Expires=1775610066&Signature=RVBqzApJvRiMaaEON50FYS0RZ0Yfn4W7jYlrgSzsQKzXDfM7AYskI7hOLPbxToD5Qmerrp2e2Xsw1XSLuVriGH3w6540LEFV9i-fk5HUpAsJVjexv3cVsiu2yGvcOhIK~KGKUJ-yV5Rb9~HQSpryKFRnPflXu6~AWG7EtyZEYG7X5bmgryUYTgWHPrn9Ad5-cI4XKlM6X17AjS9XJx3x2JQLe7iMcMbf2khd2JY5QZVus6mHlXc~QXCdXvPlinJEo67vkbl3gISvdAJi3Dg3nZ3rPYsUP~wdL6ZL170AIwSco0lrq-ZU7GEAExZ3AyVCQyfbbFAcaSf4Sm8~5~IMwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representatives of the Spokane Regional Continuum of Care (CoC) presented the CoC’s near‑final five‑year plan to reduce and end homelessness at the county strategic planning meeting on March 10. The plan—guided by HUD objectives—frames county and municipal coordination, funding priorities and performance measures for the next five years.

Shannon Bonavis, vice‑chair of the CoC board, and Matt Anderson, co‑chair, summarized five objectives the plan emphasizes: equity and accountability in the crisis‑response system; prioritizing households with the greatest barriers; preventing episodes of homelessness where possible; housing people in stable, appropriate settings; and strengthening the homeless‑service workforce.

Key programmatic points included expanding and formalizing a “by‑name” list tied to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) for case conferencing, continued use of a local assessment tool to prioritize referrals (the CoC replaced SPDAT with a locally developed assessment), quarterly system performance reporting tied to funding decisions, and “dynamic prioritization” that shifts emphasis among prevention, rapid rehousing or permanent supportive housing depending on who is presenting and what inventory is available.

The CoC representatives said HUD requires prioritizing the most vulnerable. Commissioners asked whether that HUD requirement could slow reductions in overall homelessness by focusing funds on higher‑barrier cases rather than on “easy wins.” CoC staff responded that the community can pair HUD‑restricted programs with other local funds (for example, county or state grants) to make eviction‑prevention and rapid‑rehousing choices that operate outside HUD prioritization rules.

Bonavis and Anderson said the CoC will assign system performance measures to funded programs and report quarterly; the CoC has a new reallocation policy to remove or support underperforming providers. The board was told by CoC staff the plan was out for public comment for at least 30 days and that the CoC board will vote to finalize at its March meeting.

Commissioners were notified that staff expect to present a draft interlocal agreement among Spokane County, the City of Spokane and the City of Spokane Valley in the coming weeks; the interlocal would align the jurisdictions to carry out the five‑year plan and clarify funding and responsibilities. Commissioners asked for more data on program outcomes and comparative models; CoC staff cited recent longitudinal system analyses showing stronger exits to permanent housing in rapid rehousing and transitional housing compared with emergency shelter and said the by‑name list and quarterly reporting will help target investments.

The CoC presentation did not request immediate county funding; commissioners were briefed and invited to review the draft plan and the upcoming interlocal agreement. No formal county action or vote was recorded on March 10.","The Continuum of Care board presented a HUD‑driven five‑year plan that emphasizes coordinated entry, dynamic prioritization, prevention and workforce support; commissioners were briefed that the plan will be finalized by the CoC board in March and an interlocal agreement among Spokane County, the City of Spokane and Spokane Valley will follow.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6286237,"Spokane County outlines Phase 2 plan for opioid settlement dollars, seeks city partnership to split costs",2141,600000,2741000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2563689-ef7c926594070dfcd67e41e572f2bb56&start=600&end=2741","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2563689-ef7c926594070dfcd67e41e572f2bb56/thumbnail_600000.jpg","/articles/6286237/Spokane-County/Washington/Spokane-County-outlines-Phase-2-plan-for-opioid-settlement-dollars-seeks-city-partnership-to-split-costs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6286237-23b408f6f74ea04d771dde08f975cf52/orig.mp4?Expires=1775610066&Signature=jCfi--vr0Dvq5kTQORXwjGsuseWjlUXXCuRJ~f6~ASpvASG6QhPLAMKzM0sfYcxCDpNhemxBB4B-kkn5FV1ks42DOQLKrZ0OdhMeTUyf2kssiHsdndCH4zM1HsZ3S-y539ukBJDj8rpcN0Mu-R9kWDgWvDp2A0ZCx5uJki6FmZ6dJqwLeR2dDPyGD-NuVYNgINBDMkI9y4unRudQYRsE4iZfsmYCduDHrh7F7M8D7ayCiWGXIhc7nPftC49HAAlYqIH1G1S6tBw7Qb6Aqsrhfl37igJe6XS2zt27K7tY2oW42cbG1F8ZTBoy8g6RwKfnmqsBCTxzBNreozMKDMOzyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Spokane County officials presented a Phase 2 plan on March 10 to expand crisis and treatment options funded by opioid settlement (OPUS) dollars, asking commissioners to endorse further negotiations with the City of Spokane to share costs.

The proposal focuses on two linked expansions: (1) increasing walk-in medication‑assisted treatment (MAT) and daytime hours at Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) clinics to reduce barriers for people after overdose or ER discharge, and (2) enlarging sobering and withdrawal‑management capacity at STARS (Sobering Treatment and Recovery Services) and improving connections to the planned Spokane Regional Crisis Relief and Sobering Center (CRC).

County staff said SRHD estimates an annual cost of about $800,000 to expand walk‑in MAT hours and staffing to serve more law‑enforcement drop‑offs and voluntary walk‑ins. County presenters said staffing costs are the largest driver because evaluations and medication dispensing require credentialed clinicians and nurses; overtime and administrative costs were included in the estimate. The county recommended leveraging SRHD’s insurance contracts so long‑term care transitions to Medicaid or commercial coverage after initial encounters.

STARS and partner organizations already provide sobering and triage services. County figures show 221 people used those services since Dec. 9, including 26 in the most recent month; about 80% were transitioned to withdrawal‑management services and 62 were referred to MAT. Staff recommended expanding STARS from the existing 6 beds and 6 triage chairs toward a scalable 12‑bed/12‑chair model (24 slots) so more people can be held safely off the street and transferred to inpatient treatment when clinically appropriate.

Staff described operational links between SRHD, STARS and the future CRC: when SRHD cannot accept a walk‑in or law‑enforcement drop‑off, STARS would provide an interim bed and transport back for a follow‑up clinical assessment. The county is also discussing transportation coordination with sheriff’s patrol and city contracted detox vans (CAR 50).

The county proposed a 50/50 cost split with the City of Spokane for the named projects; under that scenario the county’s annual exposure would be roughly $400,000 to $600,000 depending on the final scope. Staff said the county can fund the projects at the full amount without additional state substance‑abuse block grant funds through the near term, but cautioned future state or federal budget changes could affect available resources.

Commissioners gave staff direction to continue negotiations and meet with legal counsel to structure an interlocal agreement if the board chooses to move forward; one commissioner said she saw “all five head nods” to continue exploring the partnership. No formal vote was taken on March 10.

County staff flagged timing and uncertainties that could affect later decisions: final terms of city participation, final SRHD cost estimates once staffing needs are firmed, and potential changes in state funding or federal block grants. Staff committed to return with more detailed numbers and proposed legal language if the board wants to pursue an interlocal agreement.","County staff asked commissioners to approve exploring a joint funding approach with the city to expand medication-assisted treatment, sobering services and STARS bed capacity using opioid settlement funds; staff estimated a county share of $400,000–$600,000 annually if the city joins, or about $800,000 annually if funded by the county alone.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County staff propose countywide stormwater service, four‑year rate ramp to fund ditching, culverts and short‑span bridges

County staff recommend renewing Spokane Valley–Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer protection area; timeline targets August ballot

Spokane County Water Resources reports record outreach in 2024; Wetland Explorers program wins teacher buy‑in

Spokane Regional Continuum of Care seeks to align 5‑year homelessness plan with HUD and county priorities

Spokane County outlines Phase 2 plan for opioid settlement dollars, seeks city partnership to split costs