EVERETT — The Snohomish County Council on Monday is scheduled to discuss whether to spend more money on controversial studies that could help businesses including the Harvey Field airport grow in the Snohomish River flood plain.
The discussion comes right before two members on the council, Gary Nelson and Kirk Sievers, are set to step down at the end of this month.
“We feel this is politics at its worst,” said Rick Reed, spokesman for a grass-roots group of Snohomish residents who believe further development in the valley would increase damage from floods.
Business owners in the valley are urging the council to finish the studies. Current floodplain regulations give business owners in the valley little leeway to expand their businesses, said George Swartz, who owns an electronic manufacturing shop.
“It’s a good thing. Businesses like (the Seattle-Snohomish Sawmill) are suffering right now,” Swartz said.
The council has already spent about $60,000 and a few years on the studies, according to the office of County Executive Aaron Reardon, who is opposed to spending more money on the process.
Additional studies could cost thousands of dollars and take a few years to complete, according to county officials.
Harvey Field’s plan to expand its operation has drawn strong opposition from residents, such as Reed.
Kandace Harvey, who owns the 148-acre private airport, would like to add new hangar space, a runway and other facilities to meet growing demand. She couldn’t be reached for comment on Thursday.
The County Council on Monday may set a date for a public hearing that needs to happen before voting on additional spending for studies, said Marcia Isenberg, the council’s chief of staff.
“I think this is an issue big enough to have a public hearing,” said County Councilman Dave Somers, whose district includes the valley.
Adding more development would make flooding worse, Somers said.
“I think it’s a bad idea,” he said.
County Councilman John Koster said that the county should continue to try to change federal floodplain regulations, otherwise businesses in the area could get hurt. “Businesses in the area want to stay in business,” Koster said.
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
Meeting planned for Monday
The Snohomish County Council on Monday is set to discuss whether to spend more money on studies to explore ways to make it easier for businesses in the Snohomish River floodplain to grow, including Harvey Field. The meeting is scheduled to start at 10:30 a.m. on the eighth floor of the county’s east administration building, 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
