|
As we head into late spring, we bring you this issue with:
- An update on the Aberdeen–Hoquiam Flood Protection Project and restored funding
- A look-ahead to summer construction and restoration and research projects across the Basin
- Updates on recent leadership changes supporting this work
We’re glad to bring you these updates as progress continues across the Basin!
In the lower Basin, the cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam have partnered to protect their communities with the Aberdeen-Hoquiam Flood Protection Project, which includes two levees: the North Shore Levee and the North Shore Levee-West Segment. The project has been in the works since 2015 and is designed to protect the two communities from increasing flood risks driven by coastal storms, high tides, and sea level rise with 11 miles of new levees.
The total cost of the project is approximately $160 million, with $35.5 million awarded by the Washington Legislature and approximately $85 million from Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program. In 2025, the federal administration announced it would end the BRIC program, creating uncertainty for projects across the country, including these levees. However, a court order secured by the Washington State Attorney General required FEMA to restore $150 million for stalled projects in Washington state, including the $85 million for the Aberdeen-Hoquiam Flood Protection Project.
Project leads are actively advocating for more BRIC funding to support the work, but with the initial funding back on the table, bidding and construction can now begin! The City of Hoquiam was able to award an initial phase of the North Shore Levee – West Segment for work on Levee Street, with the full project going out to bid as soon as the BRIC grant agreement is signed this summer. A small portion of the North Shore Levee to protect the Aberdeen Wastewater Treatment Plant (funded through a different non-BRIC FEMA source) will begin bidding for construction this summer. The full North Shore Levee is anticipated to complete permitting and begin construction in 2027.
The levees are closely tied to improvements in local drainage, including several pump stations funded by OCB through the Chehalis River Basin Flood Authority, that help manage water behind the levee during storms. Once complete, these levees and pump stations will:
- Protect over 5,000 properties across Aberdeen and Hoquiam
- Encourage economic vitality
- Save homeowners and businesses an estimated $2.2 million annually in required FEMA flood insurance premiums
As we head into spring and summer, construction is getting underway across the Chehalis Basin. Through the Aquatic Species Restoration Program (ASRP), at least four habitat restoration projects in Grays Harbor County and Lewis County will be active this season. Collectively, these four projects will include:
- Two miles of Beaver Dam Analogues and Post Assisted Log Structures in Wildcat Creek
- 5.3 acres of forested wetlands restoration
- Design and implement a restoration plan for the lower North Fork Newaukum River
- Correct a fish passage barrier on Berwick Creek
- Restore riparian areas and nearby Lower Satsop MS and reconnect Mitchel Creek to a riparian network
These efforts build on the work ASRP completed in 2025, with partners continuing to implement projects that reconnect floodplains, improve fish passage, and restore natural river processes.
Additionally, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has begun work on a bass suppression study in the Chehalis Basin, exploring ways to better understand and manage predation impacts on native fish species. We look forward to sharing more details and early findings in an upcoming newsletter! In the meantime, you can learn more by listening to the recording or viewing the slides from a presentation WDFW gave to the Chehalis Basin Board in March.
Grays Harbor Conservation District Crew Lead Amy Scherer chain sawing perched wood to add to in-stream woody debris structures for the Schafer Creek Beaver Dam Analog project constructed in 2025.
The Chehalis Basin Board has selected Scott Brummer to serve as its interim chair. Under the 2016 state law creating the Board, the governor still needs to formally appoint a permanent chair. Scott brings continued leadership and experience to the Board as it advances work on the long-term Chehalis Basin Strategy. Scott has been a part of the Lewis County community for 30 years and served as a regional habitat biologist for the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife for 20 years. Scott now serves as a Lewis County Commissioner for District 3. Scott will help guide Board discussions and decision-making as members continue evaluating options to support flood damage protection and aquatic species restoration across the Basin.
At the same time, the Office of Chehalis Basin (OCB) is undergoing a leadership transition. In April, Jeff Zenk stepped down as Director. OCB Principal Planner Nat Kale will serve as Interim Director until a new Director is hired. The Office will continue its work supporting the Board and coordinating efforts across the Basin during this transition.
Chehalis Basin Board Meeting | May 7, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Fairfield Inn & Suits by Mariott, 6223 197th SE, Rochester, WA 98593
Once a month, the Chehalis Basin Board meets to discuss funding, evaluate priorities, and put flood and habitat projects in place that support the Chehalis Basin Strategy. Listen in to find out more. Access more information on the agenda and how to join the meeting virtually or in-person on the Board’s website.
1st Annual Prairie Appreciation Day | May 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Glacial Heritage Preserve, Littlerock, WA
Join this free entry event, featuring hayrides, games, native plant identification workshops, educational booths, a walking trail, an early morning bird walk, and a food truck! Donations will be collected for the Thurston County Food Bank. For more information, access the event website.
Grays Harbor Stream Team Field Event | May 9, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
East Fork Wildcat Creek Site – Email streamteam@grasyharborcd.org for driving directions
Join the Grays Harbor Stream Team in the field at the East Fork Wildcat Creek Site! Anybody is welcome to come and learn more about macroinvertebrate sampling, water quality testing, and site evaluation.
Colvin Ranch Days | May 17, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Colvin Ranch, 16816 Old Hwy 99, Tenino, WA
Come celebrate local agriculture in the Scatter Creek watershed! Local non-profits will also be present, sharing information about ways to get involved.
World Fish Migration Day | May 23
Details for events on World Fish Migration Day are to be determined. Check on the Chehalis Lead Identity Events page for updates.
Grays Harbor Stream Team Identification Event | May 30, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Grays Harbor County Fairgrounds, 32 Elma McCleary Rd, Elma, WA
Join the first of four upcoming macroinvertebrate identification events being held by the Grays Harbor Stream Team! The event will highlight the different macroinvertebrate species and how to identify them.
|
Follow us on social media and never miss the latest news, project updates, and coming events:
|
|
|
