HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaffReport_2025_HMP_UPDATE_AdoptionKITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
AGENDA DATE: November 17, 2026
ACTION REQUESTED: Request to Approve a Resolution to Adopt the Update to
the 2025 Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
BACKGROUND: During an audit of Kittitas County’s floodplain
development program, the Department of Ecology
identified compliance issues with Fire District 7’s Fire
Station 73, which was permitted by Kittitas County.
The Department of Ecology notified Kittitas County that
updating the Hazard Mitigation Plan to include a mitigation
action addressing Fire Station 73 would enable the
Department to close its audit. The updated plan must be
adopted by both Kittitas County and Fire District 7.
During the November 9, 2026, Public Works Study
Session, the Board of County Commissioners directed staff
to prepare enabling documents to adopt Updated Multi-
Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan.
INTERACTION: Public Works.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Resolution Adopting the Update to the 2025
Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
HANDLING: Return one original to Public Works
ATTACHMENTS: Resolution; Hazard Mitigation Plan Available online
LEAD STAFF: Arden Thomas
Water Resources Manager
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF KITTITAS
STATE OF WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION
NO. 2026-_______
A RESOLUTION ADOPTING AN UPDATE TO THE 2025 KITTITAS COUNTY
HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
WHEREAS: Natural hazards pose threats to people and property within Kittitas
County; and
WHEREAS: Kittitas County and planning partners have prepared a multi-
jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan, hereby known as the 2025
Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan, in accordance with federal
laws, including the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency
Assistance Act, as amended; the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968,
as amended; and the National Dam Safety Program Act, as amended;
and
WHEREAS: On July 11, 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) notified the Washington State Emergency Management
Division that the 2025 Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan is
approved pending adoption by the Board of County Commissioners;
and
WHEREAS: Adoption of the 2025 Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan will
enable planning partners to continue to use federal grant funding to
reduce risks through hazard mitigation; and
WHEREAS: Adoption of the 2025 Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan meets
floodplain management planning requirements for FEMA’s Community
Rating System (CRS), allowing Kittitas County to continue
participation in the CRS and maintain our CRS Class 6 rating; and
WHEREAS: The 2025 Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies mitigation
goals and actions to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and
property in Kittitas County from the impacts of future hazards and
disasters; and
WHEREAS: In response to feedback from the Washington State Department of
Ecology and Washington State Washington Emergency Management
Division, Kittitas County and Fire District 7 updated the plan to
incorporate additional information and mitigation actions associated
with Yakima River flood hazards and potential impactions to Fire
Station 73; and
WHEREAS: Adoption by the Board of County Commissioners demonstrates its
commitment to hazard mitigation and achieving the goals outlined in
the Update to the 2025 Kittitas County Hazard Mitigation Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Board of County Commissioners, in the
best interest of the public, does hereby adopt the Update to the 2025 Kittitas County Hazard
Mitigation Plan.
DATED this 17th day of November, 2026, at Ellensburg, Washington.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
__________________________________________
Brett Wachsmith, Chair
Attest:
Clerk of the Board-Julie Kjorsvik __________________________________________
Laura Osiadacz, Vice-Chair
Deputy Clerk of the Board-
Mandy Buchholz
__________________________________________
____________________________ Jeff Leichleiter, Commissioner