Project Title & Location
I-5/Chehalis River Flood Control

Project Description
This project is a partnership with Lewis County to reduce flood impacts to I-5 and the Chehalis River Basin by raising and widening Airport Way, a frontage road on the west side of I-5.

Contractor/Consultant
Project not yet advertised or awarded.

Recent Progress

The US Army Corps of Engineers has published the final General Reevaluation Report (GRR) and the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for this project.

WSDOT reimbursed Lewis County for expenses generated over the last two years and now has an agreement in place to reimburse the County for current expenditures from their consultant, Pacific International Engineering (PIE).  This agreement also establishes the roles and responsibilities between the agencies for this project.

The Dam modifications provide no direct benefit to the Interstate as a stand-alone project.  Therefore, WSDOT may not be able to participate financially in this major aspect of the project.

Design Construction Impacts

At this time, the US Army Corps of Engineers does not have funding appropriated for construction or engineering review.  Lewis County's consultant, PIE, is still focusing on the modifications to the Skookumchuck River Dam.  These modifications will require review by the US Army Corps of Engineers prior to completion of the plans.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

Next critical task is the issuance of the Corps of Engineers (COE) Chief’s report to Congress.  This includes the dam modification and levees. 

Lewis County is pushing the RM 66 Habitat Enhancement (also known as Flood Way Bypass) as a major component of the project.  The COE has stated they oppose this component and they did not include it in the GRR or EIS.

Impacts to Traffic

None at this time.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account