Recovery slows for communities hit by Chehalis River flooding in January

The article discusses the slow recovery of communities in Lewis and Thurston counties following the Chehalis River flooding in January 2022, which was one of the largest floods in the past three decades. The Lewis County Gospel Mission, heavily impacted by the flood, is still closed as it faces over $50,000 in damages, with Executive Director Tricia Ziese stressing the urgency of restoring services for the homeless. The flood affected more than 250 homes and businesses and caused significant disruptions, including the shutdown of 20 miles of Interstate 5. Prior investments of approximately $50 million in flood management projects illustrate ongoing efforts to mitigate such disasters, yet the recent flood underscores a need for further action. Climate change is cited as a critical factor in increasing the frequency and intensity of winter storm events, necessitating a reevaluation of flood preparedness strategies.

The Office of the Chehalis Basin is advocating for more funding to enhance public infrastructure and community protections. Upcoming meetings and discussions focus on improving flood reduction projects to better safeguard against future events. The resilience and resourcefulness of community leaders like Ziese highlight the commitment to serve those in need, even amidst challenging circumstances.