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Council approves two contract increases to help secure FEMA reimbursements for storm‑damage repairs
Summary
The council authorized two contract modifications with Widener & Associates to support FEMA reimbursement claims for multiple disaster‑damaged sites, increasing fees to a combined roughly $48,000 for ongoing project support on the Guemes Channel/Wastewater Plant and a shoreline/outfall repair site.
The Anacortes City Council approved two contract modifications Monday that increase the city’s consulting budget for FEMA coordination to continue pursuing federal reimbursements for storm damage.
Public Works Director Andy Rayum briefed the council on contract modifications with Widener & Associates. The first modification adds $27,349.40 to an existing November 2021 contract, bringing that contract to $86,717.80; the work supports FEMA reimbursement for damages from Disaster Number 4635, which affected the Guemes Channel Trail, caused a sinkhole at the water treatment plant, and required protective measures at the plant. The second modification increases a January 2022 contract by $20,484.95 — to a total of $55,791.35 — for work related to shoreline repair and permanent repair classification for the area where the wastewater treatment plant outfall enters the Guemes Channel (referred to in staff discussion as the U Avenue Park/outfall location).
Rayum told the council FEMA’s funding approach has shifted in some cases from “alternative projects” to permanent repairs, a change that can increase consultant work because it requires restarting parts of the project documentation. Councilmembers asked whether FEMA reimbursement was likely; Rayum said the city has already received federal funding for the outfall project (about $19 million), and that the permanent‑repair classification can make funding more predictable, though FEMA processes have recently slowed and then resumed.
Councilmember Hubig moved to approve the first modification; Councilmember McDougall seconded. Council approved the modification on an audible vote. Later, Councilmember McDougall moved and Councilmember Yubick seconded the second contract modification; council again approved the increase.
Council discussion noted that consultants’ assistance can be expensive but that, in the city’s experience, consultant support has led to successful FEMA reimbursements that outweigh consulting costs. Councilmember Walters asked whether FEMA had reversed earlier determinations; staff confirmed FEMA had previously approved an alternative‑project approach on one item and later reversed that decision, prompting additional work to reclassify the scope as permanent repair.
The modifications authorize the additional consultant hours and expenses; council approved both modifications and directed staff to continue coordination with FEMA and to return with any material changes to funding or scope.
