OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce presented on behalf of Governor Jay Inslee a 2017 Smart Communities award to the Southeast Washington Coalition consisting of Columbia, Asotin and Garfield counties and the cities of Clarkston and Starbuck for their regional growth management master program update.
The award celebrates the partnership that developed a Shoreline Master Program over three years with shared goals, policies and regulation for more than 300 miles of coastline. Partners accepting the award for the successful collaboration are:
Columbia County Planning and Building
Columbia County Commissioners
Asotin County Planning and Building
Asotin County Commissioners
Garfield County Public Works
City of Clarkston
Town of Starbuck
Brigham and Associates
Ben Floyd, Anchor QEA
Judges commended the intense cooperation between many different elected officials with diverse needs, interests and constituencies. The result is a Shoreline Master Program tailored to the unique conditions in each county while also providing consistent elements across county lines. The coalition successfully struck a balance between environmental protection, public access and water-oriented uses and achieving “no net loss” of ecological functions as they existed in southeast Washington in 2014.
The one-of-a-kind regional plan, approved by the Department of Ecology without a single change, was completed on time and within budget.
Judges described the process as “a very impressive model” and a “great example of visioning, community outreach and good planning – very smart!” They also applauded the group’s extensive stakeholder outreach and proclaimed it “top notch work and commitment by elected officials working together on tough questions.”
Now in its 12th year, the Smart Communities program recognizes achievements by local leaders who promote smart growth planning and projects that contribute to thriving communities, a prosperous economy, and sustainable infrastructure in Washington State.
“The award recognizes the hard work of citizens, businesses and local officials to make sure we have a healthy economy, and strong, resilient communities. Creating a ‘quality of place’ helps grow communities where people want to stay, raise families, and develop economies,” said Commerce Director Brian Bonlender.
Washington’s comprehensive Growth Management Act has been in place for 27 years. Using it as a framework, local communities plan and implement their vision for the future. For more information on the Governor’s Smart Communities Awards or the Growth Management Act, visit www.commerce.wa.gov/growth.
http://www.commerce.wa.gov/news-releases/community-programs-facilities/southeast-washington-coalition-receives-2017-governors-smart-community-award/
(press release issued July 11th)
Trump's budget would kill a crucial piece of a global tsunami warning system, sparking alarm in California and beyond
President Trump’s proposed budget for the next fiscal year would end funding to operate the network, which would eventually shut it down. A House of Representatives subcommittee is expected to release details of its own version of the budget this week. “It’s an absolutely reckless proposal,” said Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-Wash.), whose coastal district is at grave risk of a catastrophic tsunami. “These buoys are critical at keeping our coastal communities safe.”
Source: Congressman Kilmer's webpage
Related news story from the LA Times: In 1964, a tsunami at least 20 feet tall slammed into Crescent City, Calif. The floodwaters came without a detailed warning, killing 11 people who did not get out in time.
In 2011, another tsunami hit the town, located at the northern edge of the California coast. This time, officials had hours of warning that allowed them to evacuate areas along the coast before the tsunami hit, which destroyed much of Crescent City’s harbor
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-tsunami-warning-california-trump-20170710-htmlstory.html
On page 2: Statement from President Donald J. Trump on the Liberation of Mosul
http://pr2345.blogspot.com/p/page-2.html
NATIONAL NEWS SPOTLIGHT REPORT
WASHINGTON TIMES: Social Security reform grinds to a halt on Capitol Hill after Trump’s pledge not to touch it
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