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Council directs staff to upgrade five Yelm Hydroelectric canal bridges; approves funding plan
Summary
Council voted 7–0 to direct staff to implement a plan to upgrade five aging canal bridges to allow unrestricted vehicle access (including fire apparatus); staff estimated the project cost at about $1 million and said City Light reserves would cover the work with no rate increase.
The City Council on April 22 directed staff to proceed with improvements to five bridges on the Yelm Hydroelectric canal so they can safely carry heavier vehicles, including fire apparatus.
Staff and presenters explained the history: 15 bridges built in 1929–30 provide farm access across the 9.1-mile canal and several remaining spans were rated by Sargent Engineers at about 13–15 tons — insufficient for modern fire trucks and large service vehicles. The city reconstructed the Lindsay Spooner Bridge to remove load restrictions; Sargent Engineers has designed a similar foundation-and-deck upgrade for the remaining five bridges.
Terry Page and other presenters described the proposed approach: install concrete foundations in the canal bottom, add steel supports and replace decking so the bridges can be unrestricted. The estimated cost to upgrade the five bridges was presented as approximately $1,000,000. City staff said Centralia City Light has reserves and authority to reallocate funds to cover the project without increasing customer rates. Staff noted Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) approvals and permitting govern canal operations and could affect the schedule.
Representatives from Southeast Thurston County Fire Authority (including Mark King and Fire Marshal Matt Russell) attended; staff said the bridges’ weight limits currently restrict some response options and that upgraded crossings would provide critical access for larger apparatus. Public comments from nearby property owners stressed safety and agricultural access concerns. Anne Worman, representing the Bridge Group of property owners, urged council to approve the full-concurrent approach to minimize total canal drains and restoration time. Cathy Miller described recent vehicle-access limits that affected equipment and well repairs at her property. A resident who identified himself as Mike Wolfokol said earlier permitting hopes had been delayed and urged faster action.
Councilors voiced support for immediate action. Councilor Wesley said using City Light funds would avoid rate increases and Councilor Chapman asked that the work not be postponed, citing rising costs if deferred. Mayor Smith Johnston and other members emphasized the desire to expedite permitting and construction while acknowledging FERC’s schedule could require work in 2026.
Motion and vote: Council moved and seconded a motion to direct staff to proceed with improving all five bridges, add the project to the capital facilities plan and pursue permitting and construction; the motion passed 7–0.
Next steps: staff will complete final design and permitting with Sargent Engineers, coordinate with FERC for any necessary approvals, and pursue construction — staff estimated construction could begin in 2026 depending on permitting timelines. Staff will also continue coordinating with the fire authority on interim response strategies during the next fire season.
The council and staff emphasized the dual aims of restoring full access for residents and ensuring firefighting capability while following environmental and FERC requirements.
