Commissioners report

A moratorium on breaching dikes protecting agricultural lands and homes in the West End was discussed at the Wahkiakum County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday.

Judy Johnson, representing the Flood Control District, spoke about the need to extend the moratorium on breaching dikes in the Grays River District. She spoke of her years living in Ft. Bragg, CA, along the Russian River, which floods agricultural lands every year. Johnson submitted a proposal asking for an extension of the moratorium, which has been in effect since 2014. She said more time is needed to consider long-term management solutions to protect property owners.

Multiple community members spoke and submitted documents about the topic. Discussions will continue about the best steps to protect property owners from flooding.

In other business, the board unanimously accepted a resolution designating Austin Smith, department of emergency management Coordinator, as the application agent for the 2024 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.