The Willapa Hills Trail is just one of the many outdoor offerings that makes Lewis County a great home for recreationists.
For years, though, the trail has fallen short of its full potential as portions remained damaged or unfinished between Chehalis and Raymond.
News of much-needed funding for the trail was announced last week, a welcome development for the thousands of walkers, joggers and cyclists who use it.
State Parks spokesman Michael Hankinson told a meeting of the Lewis County Community Trails group that funding for Trestle Number 5 near Bunker Creek is now available, and the deck of the bridge could be finished as soon as the end of this year.
Meanwhile, two other bridges are on track to be completed this year after a contractor defaulted on the project, delaying the previous completion date in 2014.
In combination, the developments mean the longest portion of the trail — a 23-mile link from Chehalis to Pe Ell — could be complete soon.
Furthermore, the trails group will have another $80,000 to potentially use as matching funds toward a future grant.
“Given all the support we’re getting, we could possibly get all the way to the water in five years,” Hankinson said.
It’s great news for the community at large, though hurdles remain. We hope trail leaders are able to continue progress on the project.
Time for Flood Money
State Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, lead the charge for funding for flood projects in the Chehalis River Basin during the legislative session that began Monday.
The session marks one of the greatest opportunities yet in the decades-long search to a solution for chronic flooding in the region.
The veteran lawmaker’s approach will be to tie funding for local projects — including a dam on the Chehalis River — to flooding and water issues throughout the state. It’s an effort that could result in broader support from his fellow legislators.
As announced this week, DeBolt will chair the critical House Capital Budget Committee.
“I’m pleased to continue my work on the Capital Budget committee. That’s where we’re going to get the bulk of work done to help our communities handle future flooding,” DeBolt said in a release. “The recent flooding in downtown Chehalis reminds us all how crucial it is for us to secure funding and effective tools now to help our communities prevent flooding in their homes and businesses. I look forward to working with the chair to ensure we have the right statewide water plan.”
We’re fortunate to have a representative with DeBolt’s experience and sway in the Legislature, and we look forward to potential solutions this session.
