Council approves grant applications for flood planning and authorizes mayor to seek federal reimbursements for pedestrian and trail projects

Benton City Council voted Feb. 18 to pursue two funding actions: applying for a $150,000 Department of Ecology Flood Control Assistance Account grant to develop a comprehensive flood‑hazard management plan, and delegating authority to the mayor to sign documents seeking federal reimbursement for the pedestrian crossing and Riverfront Park Trail projects.

Planner George told council the Ecology grant would fund a focused flood‑hazard management plan for specific properties and possible future land purchases; staff said the grant requires a 25% match, which equates to roughly $37,500 and could include soft staff costs. "We were recommended to look at a $150,000 grant; match required is 25% which is $37,500," George said.

Separately, Public Works staff Nathan reported that the pedestrian crossing and Riverfront Park Trail projects have completed the preliminary engineering phase and are moving toward construction; in order to obtain federal reimbursements, the city must authorize the mayor to legally bind the city for the reimbursement requests. Council approved Resolution 2025 d10 delegating the mayor authority to sign federal reimbursement documentation.

Staff said the flood‑hazard planning work would help position the city to apply for future acquisition or relocation funds from state or federal programs; council approved both actions unanimously. Next steps include finalizing grant application materials, accounting for the local match, and returning documentation to funding agencies as required.