Cowlitz County building and planning staff returned to the Board of Commissioners with a revised Flood Hazard Management Plan originally initiated in 2021. Tracy Jackson and Adam (building & planning staff) described line‑by‑line edits that reduced non‑essential climate policy language while keeping the plan’s preparedness, coordination and eligibility functions for state and FEMA funding.

Patrick Harvison, the county diking engineer, said the process included extensive public and jurisdictional participation and emphasized the plan’s purpose as a coordination tool to help jurisdictions be eligible for FEMA funding and the Community Rating System, which can lower flood insurance rates for residents.

Public commenters and commissioners discussed dredging and sediment management for the Cowlitz River and North Fork Toutle River (including Spirit Lake sediment concerns), and whether the plan should highlight evacuation procedures. Staff confirmed dredging and bank stabilization are reflected in the plan’s recommended actions and said they had prepared a prewritten dredging proposal for local use. Staff also noted that some projects will require permitting (USACE, DNR) and coordination with neighboring counties and agencies such as Tacoma Power.

Staff proposed returning a revised version for adoption in January; the board directed staff to integrate suggested additions (dredging language, Spirit Lake references, and cross‑jurisdictional coordination) and bring the plan back at the next scheduled meeting for formal adoption.