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Since 2010, the Okanogan -Wenatchee National Forest has been working towards <br />restoration efforts in the Liberty area, Kittitas County, WA. The restoration strategy <br />produced in 2010 and updated in 2012 evolved in response to continuing large-scale <br />uncharacteristically severe wildfires and insect outbreaks. The Cie Elum Ranger District <br />began initial planning on the Swank Pine Project responding to the high risk of habitat <br />loss resulting from high fire risk and the high ratio of Wildland Urban Interface <br />associated with the Town of Liberty land use development. The action supports efforts <br />outlined in the Swank Basin Wildfire Protection Plan authored by the citizens of Liberty <br />with assistance from Cle Elum Ranger District staff. The Swauk Pine Project reduces the <br />risk of wildfires by reducing hazardous fuels and reestablishing natural fire regimes <br />reducing wildfire management costs and better protecting late successional and old forest <br />structure. The plan cannot be fully implemented without replacement of the County's <br />load limiting bridge on Swank Creek. <br />DISCUSSION: <br />Numerous stakeholders provided letters of support during the permit submittal process <br />(EXHIBIT 1). Bridge replacement supports reduced fire risk, stream restoration, <br />emergency rescue access for recreationalist and produces a much healthier forest. Given <br />PW's funding success with the FLAP program, we elected to make a run at replacing the <br />Swauk Creek Bridge for an estimated $2.8 million. The County's financial obligation is <br />approximately $380,000. It is unlikely that the County can replace the bridge without <br />supplemental funding. <br />FISCAL IMPACTS: <br />$384,429.19 in Road Fund ending fund balance if the grant request is awarded by <br />FHWA. <br />ATTACHMENTS: <br />Exhibit 1: Stakeholder grant support letters <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />