Commissioners okay emergency road pact

Wahkiakum County commissioners handled a variety of business when they met November 22.

The board approved an agreement with Hancock Forest Management for emergency use of private roads during Grays River Valley flood emergencies.

The firm allows the county to open the roads during severe flood events in the Grays River Valley to allow emergency access to areas cut off by flooding. Residents may also obtain permits from the county Public Works Office that allow them to use the route during authorized openings.

"The route connects from SR 4 at KM summit to various locations southerly of Grays River," Public Works Director Pete Ringen wrote in a recommendation for approval to the commissioners.

"In the initial phase, it would be available to emergency vehicles only. If road closures due to flooding are prolonged, it may then be opened to the public. The logging roads on this route are not intended for use by all types of passenger vehicles, and as such, the public should expect primitive road conditions."

In other business, commissioners approved a shoreline substantial development conditional use permit for Richard Morris of Everett. Morris wants to construct a parking area, elevated pier, and private dock with access ramp at 423 West Birnie Slough Road.

The county planning commission recommended approval of the permit on condition that the parking area design meet approval of Consolidated Diking District No. 1 of Puget Island.

Commissioners also held public hearings on the the Annual Road Construction Plan, the Six Year Transportation Plan and the 14-Year Ferry Program.

Commissioners will hold a public hearing next Monday, 9:30 a.m., on the proposed 2012 county budgets.