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Flood authority outlines Lower Basin projects; officials point to long-term benefits of pumps and gauges
Summary
A council member reported flood authority activity for the Lower Basin, describing pumps in Hopewin, planned pumps and rain gauges for other neighborhoods, and economic-benefit estimates showing a $20 million Freight Creek project could protect over $100 million in property and business value.
Council received an update on flood-authority planning for the Chehalis/Lower Basin area that affects communities including Hopewin, Aberdeen and Cosmopolis.
A council member who participates in the flood authority summarized recent progress: pumps installed and operating in Hopewin, other pump projects in construction or design phases, and planned installation of rain gauges and monitoring at headworks to better measure flows in tributary streams. He said the authority is pursuing funding and working with the legislature to move projects forward.
The council member cited a large example: the Freight Creek project, with an estimated construction cost of $20 million, has modeling that suggests it would reduce flood-related losses equal to more than $100 million in property values and interrupted business operations. He said investments in small pumps or monitoring equipment are justified by the potential avoided losses when flooding recurs.
Speakers noted Cosmopolis currently relies on a gate (not a pump) on Mill Creek and that the city will move forward with parts of a stormwater plan as flood-authority work continues. The council member urged patience and continued funding effort, noting flood projects tend to advance in phases and require coordination among jurisdictions.
