A minor COVID increase pales to lack of flood repair funding

DAYTON-Martha Lanman, Columbia County Public Health Administrator reported six new cases of COVID in the County with no hospitalizations and does not impact the school or students at the Columbia County Commissioners’ Board (BOCC) meeting November 2.

She said the County has six new COVID cases since Thursday which appear to be from two different groups with no hospitalizations. These cases are not impacting the school because students and staff strictly follow safety protocol set by the State and anyone coming in contact with a COVID positive person will be quarantined. “If kids come in contact with a positive case, they are quarantined,” said Lanman. “They are not coming to school.”

Lanman encourages the public to continue to distance at least six feet from others, wear a mask and when sick, stay at home–even take a few extra days to recover fully. “If you’re not feeling good, stay home. Take that extra precaution,” said Lanman. “Take an extra couple day.”

Commissioners approved a one-time hazard pay of $1,000 per person for one month and half that for the employee who started in July. The request was presented by Lanman, for people in her office who came in contact with positive COVID cases. The one hourly employee would have an adjusted hourly wage for an additional $3 per hour for one month.

“I have COVID-19 money that would cover this additional cost of hazard pay,” said Lanman. “This is going to be a long haul for Public Health. I need to show them some recognition for the great job they’re doing.”

Funding for a resource officer who would help address student mental health and other needs was addressed by Lanman. She spoke with Sheriff Helms seeking requirements and expectations for such a model. She also indicated there is more funding coming for mental health during COVID.

The Public Emergency Housing contract for COVID to extend through December 31 was approved by the Commissioners. Funding is already available for this housing.

Chuck Eaton, the Public Works Director said there are 109 damaged flood sites, some needing to be paid by Columbia County due to lack of coverage under FEMA or not approved for funding by Federal Highway. Only 23% of the damage has been addressed, which is $1.1 million of the $4.7 million in damages. One road waiting approval. Out of the 109 sites, 83 have been completed.

Public Works department is renting equipment at a high rate while waiting on permits from regulatory agencies which is halting the work. River permits are most significant, and the County is waiting on FEMA to hear from State Department of Ecology. Getting the work done is becoming a critical issue in regards to the onset of fall and winter which always bring the potential of another flood. Additionally, money comes back to the County from FEMA once projects are completed. Dayton Levee work is almost finished whereas wooded debris removal from the Tucannon River has not been approved from Washington Department Fish & Wildlife.

Ashley Strickland from Emergency Management added that if further damaged occurs from not being fixed before another event, it would be filed under previous emergency, not any new emergency. Strickland indicated another flood is anticipated this year based on the NOAA weather outlook predicting a wetter and colder winter ahead. Any spring warm-up could bring flooding and the County needs to be ready for it. Eaton said that the County has sand and bags on hand.