County signs MOU with North Olympic Salmon Coalition for Johnson Creek/Hoko fish‑passage work

Clallam County public works staff briefed commissioners on a memorandum of understanding with the North Olympic Salmon Coalition (NOSC) for a long‑planned Johnson Creek/Hoko River fish‑passage project.

Under the proposed MOU, NOSC would serve as project manager, secure and administer grants, coordinate permitting and hire contractors; the county would handle right‑of‑way coordination and landowner outreach. "Essentially, they will be responsible for project management...they're the ones who got the grants," a staff member said.

Staff described the project as technically complex — five large open‑bottom structures and extensive fill and culvert work in wetland soils — and said soils and settlement will influence construction sequencing (the county may leave newly filled sections in gravel for a season to allow settlement before paving). Commissioners asked about funding flow and right‑of‑way acquisition; staff said grant funds flow to NOSC but a recent sale of a parcel on the east side could delay construction by about a year and may require grant extensions.

Staff received public comment from a long‑time landowner familiar with road conditions and geotechnical reports; the county noted contingency plans and intent to proceed when right‑of‑way is secured. Commissioners said they will sign the MOU at the Jan. 7 meeting and encouraged staff to send a letter to new landowners to notify them the project is a county priority.

What's next: County and NOSC expect to seek construction next summer if right‑of‑way can be secured; staff will pursue grant cost extensions if delays push the schedule.