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Residents raise concerns about Dungeness reservoir plans as county warns of federal pause on some grants
Summary
Public commenters and staff discussed the Dungeness reservoir work group, potential limits to aquifer recharge benefits, and uncertainty after a federal pause on certain grants and loans. County CFO said ARPA Section 603 monies already received remain under county control.
Public comment at the Jan. 28 Clallam County commissioners meeting included pointed concerns about the Dungeness reservoir project and its expected benefits for aquifer recharge and salmon flows.
Jeff Tozer, a Sequim resident, told commissioners he has followed the Dungeness reservoir work group and questioned the project’s long‑term value to the broader community. "It sounds like the benefits are diminishing — the promise of aquifer recharge has been downgraded to possible aquifer recharge," Tozer said, adding that he expects the reservoir may benefit a limited set of irrigators while creating additional county maintenance obligations for the newly acquired acres.
John Worthington, another Sequim attendee, raised broader suspicion about nonprofit or international influence on local water planning. "You’re letting the United Nations tell you what to do in that aquifer that you’re talking about," Worthington said during public comment. He urged the board to consider alternatives such as smaller storage and filtration measures.
Separately, county staff and the CFO reported on two federal‑level issues that could affect local grant funding. Christian (county staff) summarized a recent webinar on the Northwest Forest Plan Amendment and said staff will continue cooperating with regional forest planners. Mark Lane, the county chief financial officer, briefed the board on a recent announcement that the federal government has paused some grant and loan programs and outlined immediate implications for county‑managed grant programs.
"The American Rescue Plan Act fund at the county only reflects 603 monies that were received by the county," Lane said in explanation of how county ARPA balances are accounted for. He added that funds already in the county’s custody remain under county control and that the administration’s pause applies to funding not yet disbursed. Lane noted the county is still assessing the extent of impacts and that some pauses appear to extend through mid‑February.
Commissioners and staff said they will monitor federal guidance and report back. Public speakers urged greater transparency on project costs for the Dungeness work and asked the county to consider community impacts if anticipated federal funds do not arrive.
