Tide gate work would close road

Wahkiakum County commissioners will hold a public hearing July 7, 11:30 a.m. on a request to close Steamboat Slough and Brooks Slough roads for tidegate and culvert work.

The US Army Corps of Engineers is planning to install five new tide gates and refurbish a culvert on channels that drain the Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge for the Columbian White-tail Deer.

The closures on Steamboat Slough Road would start July 15 and last through August 31. The closure on Brooks Slough Road would run September 1-15.

One goal of the project, said Corps spokesperson Beth McNair, is to create additional habitat for salmon and other fish species by using tidegates that are conducive to fish passage.

Commissioner Blair Brady added that the project could raise water levels in the refuge and adjacent diking district. He said he wouldn't support the closure or the project if the diking district opposed it.

McNair said she would check on the water level issue and have the information for the hearing.

In other business Tuesday:

--Commissioners agreed to explore participating in a coastal Marine Resources Committee. The committees are sponsored by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; they're made up of county citizens who provide guidance on ocean issues and implement priority conservation projects.

Program coordinator Brie VanCleve said participating counties are entitled to $40,000 annual funding to support the committee, or there is a $25,000 exploratory offer.

Commissioners Brady, Dan Cothren and Lisa Marsyla agreed the committee could have good potential, but they voted to go into the exploratory program so they could see if local residents are interested enough to make the program worthwhile.

--Health Department Administrator Judy Bright reported reductions totalling $36,000 are coming for some of the department's state funded programs.

Twenty percent cuts are coming for tobacco, communicable disease and maternity support programs, she said.

One effect will be that the health department will no longer be able to provide vaccinations in schools.

The department will be able to vaccinate children from families without medical insurance. Children in families with medical insurance will need to go to their doctor for the vaccinations.

--District Court clerk Diana Nichols reported that the district and superior court judges have asked the county to apply for a grant that will increase courtroom security.

The grant, which doesn't require a county match, provides money for metal screening devices and a security officer.

The courts sometimes need security, she said, and staff cuts in the sheriff's department make it hard for the sheriff to provide officers.

Commissioners said they wanted more information on long-term funding and costs, but they said they would sign the application if the county could withdraw if funding became a problem.