Wallowa County commissioners on July 28 approved a local-agency professional services contract to provide right‑of‑way acquisition services necessary for the Mill Creek CAP‑205 flood-risk reduction project. County staff told the board the Army Corps and project partners set a line item for acquisition work; negotiations and appraisal work required outside expertise and specialized title and offer‑letter services.

Why it matters: CAP‑205 is a multi‑year flood control and channel work project requiring easements and temporary construction access across multiple private parcels. Right‑of‑way acquisition is a critical prerequisite to construction and requires appraisals, negotiation and documentation under federal acquisition standards when federal funds are involved.

Key points: The board approved a consultant agreement (professional services) to complete detailed appraisal, title, offer and negotiation work; the agreed scope includes assembling comparable sales, preparing offers and coordinating closings or permanent easements. Public Works said the Corps budget included a ROW line; county staff said this consultant contract fills an expertise gap and supports timely summer and fall acquisition tasks.

Next steps: Consultant will begin parcel-by-parcel appraisals and contact owners to present offers; Public Works will coordinate closings and provide oversight. The board approved the contract and directed staff to proceed with acquisitions consistent with federal requirements.