Commissioners sign interlocal agreement to share rising Mill Creek improvement costs

Walla Walla County commissioners, acting as the Mill Creek Flood Control Zone District supervisors, voted 2–0 on May 26 to sign an interlocal agreement with the Port of Walla Walla and the City of Walla Walla to share local construction costs for the Mill Creek infrastructure improvement (CAP‑205) project.

Joel Dickerson, the county engineer, briefed the board on the updated agreement. He said the project has moved through design and right‑of‑way and that construction estimates have increased substantially since the original agreement. "This agreement brings all three parties back to the table to figure out how they will each contribute their share, towards the additional cost that was an unforeseen increase," Dickerson said, noting the county's share and sponsors' combined obligations rose in line with higher construction estimates.

Dickerson estimated the project cost has increased roughly 50% from earlier projections — "the project used to be $10,000,000, and now it's $15,000,000," he said — and observed that sponsor shares increased proportionally. Commissioners asked whether the local agreement was tied to federal funding updates; Dickerson replied the interlocal sets local shares and was drafted before the recent federal funding uncertainty.

Commissioners discussed outreach to federal representatives and planned letters and contacts to attempt to secure or protect anticipated federal funds. "I'll be working with Pat and with Elizabeth to do some direct lobbying and certainly some letters and campaigns," Dickerson said. Commissioners also noted Representative Baumgartner would be included in advocacy.

Commissioner Fulmer moved to approve the interlocal agreement on behalf of the Mill Creek Flood Control Zone District; Commissioner Clayton seconded. The motion passed 2–0.