Contact:
Catherine Higgins Crilly Ritz
Communications Specialist II Senior Environmental Planner
Catherine.Higgins@snoco.org Crilly.Ritz@snoco.org
425-388-3053 425-388-6414
Progress on Snohomish County’s Index-Galena Road Repair
The Washington Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) approved up to $5 million
for repairs to the flood damaged road
EVERETT, Wash., October 6, 2016 – The commitment for the Index-Galena Road repair has gained more traction with the announcement of new funding from the Washington Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP). Snohomish County Public Works, through a partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, recently received approval for up to $5 million from FLAP to repair the road between milepost 6.4 and 6.9 that was damaged during the 2006 flood.
“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to repair the entire length of the Index-Galena Road,” said Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive. “The commitment of two federal agencies ensures that this vital community link will be repaired for residents, businesses, and recreational users.”
Snohomish County Public Works has repaired 10 of the 11 areas originally damaged during the 2006 flooding event. The repairs between milepost 6.4 and 6.9 is the last area in need of reconstruction and is expected to cost upwards of $28 million.
The Index-Galena Road Repair Project is a partnership with Public Works managing all the repairs and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Washington State County Road Administration Board (CRAB), and now, FLAP providing the funds. The actual amount of FLAP funding is dependent on the availability of appropriations from Congress which will be determined at a later date.
The repairs to Index-Galena Road would restore a vital corridor that connects to homes, campgrounds in the area, and provides access to a multitude of recreational activities in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Preliminary design for the repairs to the Index-Galena Road has been completed with construction estimated to begin in 2018.
In addition, Snohomish County Public Works is hosting an open house and public hearing to gather community input on the potential environmental impacts for the proposed Index-Galena Road repair. To learn more about the project plans, project design, or to submit your comment, please attend the open house and public hearing.
Public Hearing: Index-Galena Road Repair
- When: Wednesday, October 12 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Where: Frank Wagner Elementary – 115 Dickinson Road, Monroe, WA 98272
- What: An environmental review of the Index-Galena Road project has been completed in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). NEPA requires that federal agencies identify and evaluate the environmental impacts associated with federal actions. This meeting is to collect comments from the community on the assessment and potential environmental impacts. The NEPA Environmental Assessment can be found online at www.snohomishcountywa.gov/624.
- Other Project in Area: Overview of the Howard Creek Bridge 496 Replacement Project will be available
For more information about the NEPA Environmental Assessment, contact Crilly Ritz, Senior Environmental Planner, at 425-388-3488 Ext. 4586 or Crilly.Ritz@snoco.org.
About Snohomish County Public Works
The Snohomish County Public Works Department employs approximately 600 staff members that develop and maintain county roads; control and manage surface water quantity, quality, and fish habitats; and oversee the recycling and disposal of solid waste. The department’s main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201. For more information about Snohomish County Public Works, visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks.