Washougal receives $175K grant for shoreline plan

The Washington State Department of Ecology (DOE) has awarded a $175,000 grant to the city of Washougal, which will use the funds to complete its Shoreline Master Plan Program (SMP) Update and Education Campaign project.

The project, which is expected to be completed in June 2025, ”represents a significant step forward in the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible shoreline management,” according to a news release.

“This grant represents a tremendous opportunity for Washougal,” Community Development Director Mitch Kneipp said. “Our shorelines are not only beautiful natural assets but also essential habitats for wildlife. With this funding, we can ensure their long-term health and vitality while promoting responsible land use.”

The DOE announced on Thursday, Oct. 19, that it had awarded $3 million in competitive grants to 21 cities and counties across Washington State “to help them safeguard their local shorelines,” according to its website.

“The grants are designed to support local shoreline planning efforts such as building climate change resiliency, improving access to public shorelines, understanding how river channels migrate over time, monitoring shoreline permitting, and updating environmental restoration plans,” the website states.

“State law and regulations mandate that Washington cannot lose the important functions shorelines provide such as supporting water-dependent uses, controlling stormwater and erosion, filtering surface water runoff, providing habitat for fish and wildlife including salmon, and allowing access to public areas where land and water meet.”

The grant will provide “essential” funding to support the completion of the City’s SMP update and the launch of an “extensive” education campaign directed toward property owners on responsible shoreline maintenance, according to the news release.

The DOE chose the city after evaluating various criteria, including the presence of a distinct and pressing issue requiring attention, the potential benefits to both the public and the environment, and the city’s population size, the news release states.

“These grant funds allow the city to complete this mandatory update at no further cost to residents,” according to the news release.

The education campaign component of the project will be “pivotal” in raising awareness and engaging the local community, according to the news release, which added that the City will develop a shoreline handbook and a corresponding mailer to educate the public designed to empower residents, businesses, and organizations to play an active role in shoreline preservation and responsible management.

“We are grateful to the Department of Ecology for their support,” City Manager David Scott said, “and we look forward to working closely with our community stakeholders to ensure the success of this project.”