Richland council backs federal push to transfer shoreline parcels from Army Corps to local and tribal control

Richland’s City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to join a regional effort seeking federal legislation to transfer certain shoreline lands from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to local governments and tribal partners.

Deputy City Manager presented the memorandum of agreement (MOA) and described the legislative vehicle being considered — language in the upcoming Water Resources Development Act — and a list of parcels the city would seek to include. Staff said the MOA establishes government‑to‑government relationships with tribal partners, requires ground‑disturbing protocols and a cultural‑practices easement, and expects each jurisdiction to propose intended public uses (the city intends to continue park uses and to record conservation easements where appropriate).

What parcels are included: Staff walked council through numerous shoreline strips and parklands including Leslie Groves Park (north and south), narrow shoreline strips at North, Central and South Howard Amon Park, parcels at Columbia Park West (including parking lots and a boat launch), and other narrow shore parcels that are currently Corps‑owned and not recorded as city property. Staff also noted there are some levee/flowage easements and pump/levee structures the city does not intend to assume; those flood‑control elements would remain federal in staff’s recommendation.

Tribal participation and trust conveyances: The MOA contemplates collaboration with tribes. Staff said the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation has requested a large parcel in Columbia Park West and the Yakama Nation has requested Bateman Island; both tribal conveyances are expected to be held in trust by the federal government on behalf of the tribes. Staff said those trust conveyances would put lands under tribal care and that some trust conveyances are appropriate given cultural ties.

Council questions and staff responses: Council members asked whether causeway removal at Bateman Island creates opportunities for a new bridge (staff: possible if funding sources and tribal interest align), whether unnecessary flowage easements have been identified (staff: many old flowage easements were not mapped in county records and the Corps can map them for a fee; staff proposed legislative language to allow extinguishing unnecessary easements when discovered), and whether transfer imposes long‑term financial burdens (staff: the legislative proposal aims for a no‑cost transfer and will include historical maintenance investments as part of the submission). Council asked that conservation‑easement language and parcel lists be prepared quickly so that protections are ready if reconveyance proceeds.

Vote and next steps: By consensus and formal vote the council authorized participation in the MOA and the legislative effort; staff will continue coordination with TRIDEC, the tribes, and other jurisdictions and will prepare conservation‑easement language and parcel descriptions for potential inclusion in federal legislation.

The council’s action does not itself transfer property; it signals the city’s intent and provides staff direction to pursue federal legislative authority and finalize required easement and management language.