Emergency declared after burst culvert washed out road at Mission Creek

A major infrastructure failure has stranded 23 residents on the Tulalip Reservation after a culvert burst, severely disrupting their access to essential services for over a month. To address this crisis, local authorities have constructed a temporary wooden footbridge, enabling some residents to reach work and school. Snohomish County officials are collaborating with the Aqua Hills Homeowners Association to secure resources for emergency repairs, although a timeline for permanent solutions is still unclear. The culvert, which failed under heavy rain, had been deteriorating for decades, raising significant concerns about infrastructure maintenance in the area. This incident has particularly affected residents with physical challenges who cannot safely navigate the current conditions.

Despite emergency measures following an executive order, many residents continue to struggle with limited access to food, water, and medical care. The Tulalip Tribes had previously warned about the culvert's condition, underscoring the need for long-term structural improvements and highlighting broader issues of infrastructure resilience and community preparedness in the region.