The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Members of Diking District #4 will meet March 13 to discuss options for paying pump cost options and other expenses when they meet later this month.

In their February 4 meeting, district members, who include the Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge and private citizens, discussed the financial strain of repairs and pumping costs. The district has previously requested the refuge not operate the expulsion pump because of the fear of danger to property or life.

Chairman of the board Maury Mooers said at the next meeting members will be looking for ways to maintain the properties and collect for provided services.

He said the biggest problem is there is such little private land ownership. Only two citzens own any substantial amount of property. He did add, however, that there are several people on the land that own less than 20 acres.

The United States Department of Fish and Wildlife (USDFW) will be working with the Corps of Engineers to put in tide boxes this year to minimize the damage water has been doing to the properties. The majority of the cost will be covered by USDFW and the corps.