The Port of Chehalis is among a group of public entities debating whether to pitch in financially for the work of a Chehalis attorney on the ever-important matter of flood mitigation advocacy.
The port’s commissioners grappled with the idea of a $15,000 expenditure for the services of J. Vander Stoep, a widely respected and incredibly effective proponent for flood prevention in the Chehalis River Basin.
The cities of Centralia and Chehalis, the Port of Centralia and Lewis County have also been asked to contribute the same amount as businesses in the floodplain help financially using the Lewis Economic Development Council as a conduit.
Vander Stoep has for years worked at the highest levels of state government to advance and promote the safety of citizens facing an annual threat of flooding.
After the disaster of 2007, he was among the first to present himself to local governments as a tool for meaningful changes following years of in-fighting and dueling ideas ranging from levees and dredging to a dam and land use changes.
Vander Stoep is among the most important drivers of conversation at the state level as he works through the governor’s Chehalis Basin Work Group and the Flood Authority.
His efforts helped lead to the current research by the state Department of Ecology that is set to elicit a recommendation by the governor for projects within the year.
All of this he has done with little to no compensation.
And that seems to be just fine by him.
Vander Stoep is a man who routinely avoids credit and recognition for his efforts.
Last year, he completed more than six weeks of volunteer work — valued at about $53,000 — on the issue of flooding.
While it’s true $15,000 is no small sum, it’s a worthwhile investment when it comes to maintaining the services of a dedicated man who has done more to advance a solution to chronic flooding in our region than just about anyone else.
We hope the Port of Chehalis decides to take part in the funding plan and that counterparts in Centralia, Chehalis, Lewis County and the Port of Centralia follow suit.
