Walla Walla County approves funding for flood control and new signage at key county buildings

WALLA WALLA — The Walla Walla County Board of Commissioners on Monday unanimously greenlit two major funding proposals, securing a $1 million investment for critical flood control infrastructure and approving a plan to overhaul public signage at key county buildings.

Commissioners approved a $1 million grant from the Port of Walla Walla’s portion of the Economic Development Sales Tax Fund. The funds are earmarked for the Mill Creek Flood Control Flood Damage Reduction Project, a collaborative effort aimed at stabilizing the region’s levee and channel systems.

The move follows a critical $500,000 commitment from the county’s own economic development funds authorized earlier this month. Together, the $1.5 million in local funding helps bridge a 35 percent local match required for the federal partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Port Executive Director Patrick Reay noted that without this approval, the project faced a significant shortfall due to rising construction costs.

The commissioners also moved forward with a proposal to improve communication and signage at the 310 W. Poplar and 500 W. Main buildings.

Facilities Manager Robert Grandstaff presented several concepts to enhance public awareness of county services. The approved plan includes:

• Entrance Updates: Utilizing current sign holders to better display available services.
• Operational Clarity: Replacing pedestal signs to clarify the distinction between building hours and parking enforcement.
• Modernization: Swapping out older panels for Lexan panels with backlit film, allowing the signs to remain visible during winter months.

Funding for the signage project, estimated at $10,900, will be drawn from the county’s building fund.

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Elkhorn Media Group