Walla Walla City Council to vote on affordable housing land and Mill Creek flood project

WALLA WALLA – The Walla Walla City Council will weigh a significant land acquisition for affordable housing and a funding update for a major flood control project during its regular meeting tomorrow night (Wednesday).

Council members will first consider a proposal to acquire 6.4 acres of surplus property from Walla Walla County for approximately $24,000. Located along Tausick Way near the Mill Creek Sportsplex, the parcel has been held by the county since a 1940 tax foreclosure.

State law requires that the land be dedicated to affordable housing development. Under the proposal, the city would eventually transfer the multi-family zoned property to a local housing authority or non-profit organization. City staff recommend the purchase as a low-cost strategy to address the community’s housing shortage.

Map of disposed county property along Tausick Way via city of Walla Walla

The council will also vote on a new interlocal agreement for the Mill Creek Corridor Project. The initiative, a partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and local stakeholders, aims to repair the aging flood control channel while improving fish passage.

Estimated costs for the project have risen to $15.3 million due to inflation and design complexities. The new agreement outlines a revised cost-sharing plan among the city, Walla Walla County, and the Port of Walla Walla. Officials noted that much of the city’s additional $376,180 construction obligation will be covered by local economic development grants.

The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Walla Walla City Hall. Residents can attend in person or watch a live stream on the city’s official website.

File photo of the Walla Walla City Council

---

• 
• 
• 

---

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

---

Elkhorn Media Group