Wasco County pledges $5,000 to coalition challenging FEMA's revised floodplain implementation

Wasco County approved a $5,000 contribution on March 18 to Oregonians for Floodplain Protection (OFP), a coalition of local jurisdictions, property owners and industry groups litigating FEMA's revised National Flood Insurance Program implementation in Oregon. Community Development Director Kelly Howsley-Glover and County Counsel Kristen Campbell briefed the Board on the coalition's litigation strategy and said the effort aims to halt or negotiate FEMA's new Biological Opinion that staff said shifts FEMA's role toward enforcing a "no net loss" floodplain-storage standard.

Howsley-Glover said the litigation seeks to halt the Environmental Impact Statement process or secure less restrictive regulatory outcomes that would protect local development options. Counsel confirmed that Wasco County had previously approved participation but withheld payment pending initiation of litigation; staff asked for the $5,000 contribution to maintain the county's active participation in the coalition.

Commissioner Jeffrey Justesen moved to approve the contribution; Vice Chair Brady seconded and the motion passed unanimously.