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

The Wahkiakum County Board of Commissioners approved on Tuesday a permit allowing Columbia Land Trust to raise a portion of Mill Road.

The land trust has purchased land between the road and Grays River and wants to remove a failing dike to turn the land into a wetland for juvenile salmon habitat. They would raise Mill Road to become a new dike.

County Public Works Director Pete Ringen reported two weeks ago that he had placed conditions on the permit to ensure the dike and road would hold up, but the land trust was unable to post a bond to guarantee the work.

Commissioners declined to approve the permit without the bond and without a letter signed by all land owners in the area saying they were satisfied with the project.

On Tuesday, land trust project manager Ian Sinks reported that all land owners had signed the letter of support, but the land trust, a private, non-profit organization funded by grants and donations, wouldn't be able to obtain a bond in time to get the project done this year.

Commissioner Blair Brady said he wouldn't vote to approve the project if the land trust didn't have the bond. A private contractor would have to post the bond, he said, and he didn't want to make exceptions.

However, Commissioners Lisa Marsyla, board chair, and Dan Cothren were willing to approve the permit.

Marsyla said it was important to have all the residents sign the letter of support. She asked Ringen if he thought the permit protected the county's interests and would ensure a good project.

"As for the conditions, yes," Ringen said. He added that the project will benefit the people who live on the road and provide better flood protection.

"I agree," Cothren said. "I don't want the people there to have a bad winter."

He moved to approve the permit, and Marsyla seconded the motion. They voted in favor, and Brady opposed the motion.