2026-03-30-minutes-public-works-study-session

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Page 1 of 5 PUBLIC WORKS BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION STAFF REPORT KITTITAS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS PUBLIC WORKS – BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT STUDY SESSION DATE: March 30, 2026 TOPIC: Lower Kittitas Reach Floodplain Reconnection Project ACTION REQUESTED: Approve a Resolution to Authorize Chairman’s Signature on the Application Authorization Form for a Salmon Recovery Grant Application LEAD STAFF: Arden Thomas RECOMMENDATION: Move to Approve a Resolution to Authorize the Chairman’s Signature on the Application Authorization Form for a Salmon Recovery Grant Application to the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for Lower Kittitas Yakima River Floodplain Reconnection Implementation. BRIEFING SUMMARY: • The Flood Control Zone District intends to apply for $7,000,000 in funding for the Lower Kittitas Reach Floodplain Reconnection Project. • The project aims to reduce flood risk and improve habitat conditions associated with the failing Hansen Pits Levee. • Work will occur on property owned by Kittitas County and the Bureau of Land Management. • The project is in the design phase, with draft 60 percent designs currently under review by County staff. • Kittitas County and Mid-Columbia Fisheries are co-applicants on the grant. Kittitas County would manage the earthwork and engineered habitat improvements, and Mid-Columbia Fisheries would manage revegetation and three years of maintenance. • This funding request would help address the remaining funding need beyond the $10,000,000 Floodplains by Design grant. BACKGROUND: The Hansen Pits Levee does not provide effective flood protection and is contributing to habitat degradation across the 595-acre project area. In response, the Flood Control Zone District has been developing a restoration plan for County- and Bureau of Land Management–owned properties. The plan focuses on improving flood control, enhancing