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KITTITAS COUNTY <br />DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS <br />STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />STUDY SESSION DATE: June 24, 2019 <br />ACTION REQUESTED: Request to Approve a Resolution to Authorize the Chair's <br />Signature on the Quit Claim Deed Conveying Schaake <br />Levee to the United States Bureau of Reclamation <br />BACKGROUND: United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) is <br />implementing a restoration project on the Schaake property <br />that will reconnect approximately 130 acres of natural <br />floodplain to the Yakima River. This project will improve <br />habitat conditions and will reduce flood risk at I-90, the <br />City of Ellensburg Waste Water Treatment Plant, the <br />Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad, and Wilson Creek <br />through and downstream from the Schaake property. <br />DISCUSSION: Conveying Kittitas County's rights for building and <br />maintaining flood control structures on the Schaake <br />property will enable USBR to proceed with their project, <br />which improve riverine habitat and reduce flood risks. <br />Transferring these rights also clearly establishes USBR's <br />responsibilities for maintaining flood control structures at <br />this location. The transfer eliminates flood control liability <br />from the County for downstream property owners and <br />ongoing maintenance costs. <br />The Board's attorney has communicated to Public Works <br />staff that Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit is not required <br />supporting the conveyance of the easement. <br />INTERACTION: Public Works <br />RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the Chair's signature on the quitclaim deed <br />conveying Schaake Levee to USBR. <br />HANDLING: Return one original to Public Works <br />ATTACHMENTS: Resolution; Quit Claim Deed; Electronic message <br />regarding REETA <br />LEAD STAFF: Mark R. Cook, Director <br />