We were recently asked to participate in a professional downtown Chehalis survey to improve the historic business area, most likely with a renaissance-related theme.
The goal is to update the downtown to coincide with the dramatic new Vernetta Smith Chehalis Timberland Library, now under construction. We acknowledge the interest in a new façade for downtown businesses and under normal circumstances this would be a worthwhile project. However, might this be a good time to hold off a bit in light of the major concern for Chehalis and the rest of Lewis County? An attractive downtown wont draw much new business if a flood renders Chehalis an island and again impacts the infrastructure of the community.
Chehalis may have a contract with a consulting group, but we imagine a professional firm would be sensitive and understanding of our situation and delay work for a year. That is what might be prudent at this time delay the interviews and spending for the project until the library is completed. A beautifully finished new anchor for Chehalis should serve as a renovation inspiration to the entire downtown. There is a glaring reason to delay this and any other expensive projects in our area: dealing with our horrendous flood challenge. Leaders might consider a years moratorium on spending for new projects through 2008. If we splinter into separate projects and special interests, the goal will be more difficult to achieve.
The fledgling grassroots committee started by Dr. John Henricksen to unify resources for flood solutions is only now taking off. It will need financial, emotional and creative backing from Lewis, east Grays Harbor and south Thurston counties. All are within the expansive Chehalis Valley River Basin, and Henricksens group will require major focus and significant support. Without a unified, coordinated and in-depth plan, this region will continue to suffer from natures wrath.
It might serve us all better if we do not dilute our public and private energies with various fund-raising or promotions not directly related to the flood. What financial and moral support might be garnered if such a cooperative effort snowballs funneling assets, time and people into this grassroots movement? At this point, Chehalis, Centralia and Lewis County appear ready to sign on to engage in the flood prevention effort that encompasses all legitimate solutions. As Henricksen has explained, special interests and personal investments are not to be brought to the citizen groups discussion table. He brings us firm leadership and key citizens from around the county are getting on board.
For the grassroots effort to work, we must all give priority to the flood solution. A multi-county citizens organization and an attempt to deal with the Chehalis Basin should take front and center stage.
Weve already seen a curtain drop on open-minded and cooperative work on the problem.
The governors office, visiting here during the flood for a photo opportunity with National Guard helicopters, brought us hope. It may be misplaced hope, however, if she is listening to special interests promoting that levees are the only solution and that logging practices and development are the sole causes of flooding disasters.
Although not unexpected, we worry at seeing a political line being drawn in Olympia. A resolution to our flood challenges needs support based on logic and general welfare of our residents not just keeping the interstate and rail lines open. One would think the human beings and independent businesses of our three counties in Washington state would be of primary interest after a national disaster. This should be a debate on what is best for not only interstate commerce, but for all people, including those living in the damaged areas. Politics, personal interests, egos and conflicts can easily become roadblocks.
We pray the governor and other elected officials at both the state and national levels listen to the victims of the latest 100-year flood. All we ask is for open minds and a fair chance to study all the options. The collective wisdom and histories of people in the Chehalis Valley River Basin need to carry significant weight in finding solutions.
