Flood control group wants dam on Chehalis River

CENTRALIA — A group that has been studying ways to ease flooding along the Chehalis River has recommended a dam near Pe Ell as one of its suggestions.

The dam would cost about $300 million. The Chehalis Basin Work Group says it could save money if it prevents another flood like the one in 2007 that ruined homes and farms and closed Interstate 5 for three days.

The Chronicle reports the group submitted its report last month to Gov. Jay Inslee. In addition to the dam it recommends improving the Centralia-Chehalis Airport levee and improving fish habitat.

A dam is opposed by the Quinault Indian Nation.

The Chehalis River originates in the Willapa Hills in southwest Washington and flows north then west to empty into Grays Harbor.

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