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.

Contractor/Consultant
Project not yet advertised or awarded.

Recent Progress

The local jurisdictions are moving forward with the idea to establish a diking district for the continual operation, maintenance, and remaining capital cost of the project.  Earlier this year the recommendation to change the project from the “Lewis County Flood Control Project” to the “Interstate 5 protection Project” was sent to the legislators for their approval.   

The new project is waiting for the Airport Road extension to be modeled, with the Lewis County arterial model, to determine whether it needs to be 2 or 4- lane.  Once this determination is made a consultant will be hired to complete the plans, specification and estimate for constructing a levee along Airport Road as well as raising the existing levee around the airport.

Design Construction Impacts

The USACE has indicated that, as a stand-alone project, the proposed dam modifications project would likely have no benefits for I-5, either in cost savings or reduced traffic delay.  Further hydraulic modeling has been requested.  Without direct benefits to the highway system WSDOT will not be able to contribute any "Nickel" gas tax money to this portion of the flood control project.

Environmental Impacts / Compliance

The Chiefs report was signed on Sept. 27, 2004

The Lewis County / PIE River Mile 66 Habitat Enhancement Project  has encountered significant resistance from the Chehalis Tribe and as such the RM 66 project may be cancelled. The USACE has stated they oppose this component and they did not include it in the GRR or FEIS.

Impacts to Traffic

None at this time.

Planned vs. Actual Expenditures
(Total Project Cost)

Nickel funds included in above costs

2005 Transportation Partnership Account