Council approves application for DOE stormwater grant to produce downtown flood hazard plan

City staff asked the council to authorize the mayor to sign a Department of Ecology (DOE) grant application for a comprehensive stormwater plan, including a flood hazard mitigation component. Sean, city staff, said the full project budget is $125,000 and the required city match is $18,007.50.

Sean told the council the plan will create a baseline stormwater inventory, identify mitigation projects for downtown flood zones and help the city prepare materials to present to FEMA about reducing flood designation risk. "It'll allow us to start that process," Sean said, noting the city has not had a comprehensive flood-hazard mitigation plan before. Council members characterized the grant as a foundational step and moved to approve the application; the resolution passed by voice vote.

Staff said the plan would position the city to pursue additional funding to implement identified projects and to pursue changes in FEMA mapping or designations if appropriate. The council requested follow-up reporting on the grant award status and next steps for FEMA engagement once the plan is complete.