Flood barrier option council meeting's high water mark

New technology might someday help solve an age-old concern in the La Conner area.

A plan to deploy portable geotextile-lined flood barriers as part of a future ring dike system on the northeast edge of town was part of an otherwise watered-down Thanksgiving week Town Council agenda last Tuesday.

The mesh barriers, similar to those used by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers when battling flood conditions on the Mississippi River, would supplement construction of proposed new dike sections north and east of La Conner High School.

The earth-tone units can be filled with sand, sod, or well-graded gravel and have proved effective in reducing seepage in dikes and flood walls.

Portability is an added bonus. They are designed for easy removal.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reps endorsed the portable flood barriers as part of an updated version of the dike project during a recent visit here, according to Town Administrator John Doyle.

“The Army Corps likes that mechanism,” Doyle said of the mesh units, noting their contrast with traditional, heavy sandbags.

The dike material would be on permanent loan from the Army Corps of Engineers at no cost to the town, he said.

“It would be worth our while,” he added, “to find a place to store this stuff.”

Veteran Town Council member Dan O’Donnell, who sits on the Skagit Flood Control panel, was somewhat taken aback to learn of the Corps’ visit, however.

“I’m a member of the flood control committee,” he said, “and had no idea the Corps was coming.”

On that count, he wasn’t alone, Doyle said. The visit was unannounced.

O’Donnell was also skeptical of the new layout, which places the proposed dike closer to the school campus than originally planned.

“Right now,” said O’Donnell, “I’m opposed to this concept. I think you’ve got the wrong plan.”

Doyle said the new plan is shorter in terms of distance and would be less apt to get bogged down in red tape.

“It is predominately on Town property now,” Doyle explained, “which will make the permit process easier than if it went primarily over farm land. That could be tough.”

The so-called ring dike is part of the more broad Skagit River General Investigation Study, which addresses measures to protect lowlands from long-term flood risks and anticipated climate change impacts.

Initial cost estimates for construction of the La Conner dike sections, which could include a public walkway and cycling path, are just over $700,000.

The Town has put into reserve nearly $180,000 toward the project, and intends budgeting another $50,000 in 2015.

If those figures hold firm, they represent about one-third the total cost.

Town officials have indicated that with continued annual savings at the present level and perhaps some kind of bond option, dike construction could begin taking shape in two or three years.

“It will take a thoughtful approach and some belt-tightening,” Hayes said, “but it’s an important element in the protection of our town.”

It’s also an issue sure to remain on the front burner for some time.

“We’ll pick up this discussion later,” he said.