Small Town News

City considers partnership with conservation district

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This summer, the city of Shelton may follow the example set by numerous other local jurisdictions and partner with the Mason Conservation District for storm water management.

Conservation district manager John Bolender met with the city commission Monday afternoon during its study session meeting to discuss a possible interlocal agreement to consult the city on storm water and low impact development (LID).

"The district has implemented literally dozens of LID projects throughout the county for the past several years with special emphasis on the Oakland Bay watershed and that's our interest with the city," Bolender said. "Over that period of time, these initiatives have a value of well over $1 and a half million and we'd like to see some of them happen in the city if that's possible."

The conservation district recently received funds designated for storm water issues, LID development, code updates, staff training and education and outreach, allowing it to partner with the city, he said.

"Unlike last time I was to visit with a couple of you commissioners five or six years ago there is no cost to the city associated with district services provided through such an agreement," Bolender said. "I want to emphasize no cost."

The district has worked with many local jurisdictions in the last several years, including Mason County, the Port of Shelton and Mason County PUDs 1 and 3.

The conservation district is currently working with PUD 3 to install rain gardens and native plants at its new Johns Prairie Facility, which Bolender said would save the PUD more than $400,000. The district also recently planted native plants and installed a rain garden at the Oakland Bay Marina, worth $20,000.

"We've had a good track record for the past couple of years with these other folks," he said.



Copyright 2011 Shelton-Mason County Journal, Shelton, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2011 Shelton-Mason County Journal Shelton, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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