The South Shore Road Advisory Committee (SSRAC) met Wednesday at the Church at 4:30. Attending were Win Anderson, Darcy Daniells, Susan Ferrell, Roz Glasser, Jim Nichol, Sally Smith, Edith Walden, Dennis Wyatt, and Given Kutz from Skagit County Public Works. Absent were Anne Casperson, Marc Caputo, Paula Dekker, Tony Maggi, David McKibben, Carl Meinzinger, Bruce Rooney. Attending as guests were Harold and Mary Scott of 5731 South Shore Road and Susie Fox.

Jim Nichol led the meeting. A correction to the minutes was proposed: “The committee expressed concern that Alternatives 1 and 2 went through structures and/or a major wetland. The adoption of the minutes was tabled until the next meeting when members would have had a chance to read the correction.

Given Kutz addressed questions the committee had presented. He announced the resignation of the second interim director of Public Works, Dave Sheridan, effective in mid-July. Although Public Works (PW) is funded with gas tax money, they currently have 13 unfilled positions and are operating under the county-wide hiring freeze.

Given had toured South Shore Road prior to the meeting and had determined that it would not be possible to put up jersey barriers or fencing at the danger spots because of weight concerns.

He stated that armoring the bank at Cayou Creek is not currently considered a viable solution and there will be no discussions with Fish and Wildlife about permits. He said that PW would not want to open any such discussions until such time as they had the long-term plan ready. At such time, armoring might be considered as a short-term solution. He didn’t know what mitigation might be required (such as barging sand). 

Given did not know if climate change and sea rise had been considered by the engineers who submitted the Geotechnical Report. He will ask them, but if they require opening a new contract to answer the question, he will not pursue it. He did not believe there is enough data available to accurately predict the effect of sea rise on the erosion rate of the bank along South Shore Road.

Given reported that under Dave Sheridan’s direction, PW was directed to try to get South Shore Road open again to 2-way traffic by moving the road one lane north 12 to 20 feet at the most dangerous spots. This would be a short-term solution. The south lane would no longer be used as a pedestrian/bicycle lane. PW commits to begin preliminary design and determine existing and required rights-of-way but this proposal is currently unfunded. Design work can start now.

The proposal to raise Edens Road 18” where it floods has been evaluated by PW and will be included in the planning budget and construction plans to be completed (probably not this year, however).

There is no commitment to complete a drainage plan for Guemes Island or even for South Shore Road. Members requested again to have Mike Farthing who deals with surface water come to the island to view the drainage problems that are exacerbating the erosion of the bank and road. Dennis Wyatt and Bruce Rooney have volunteered to provide a guided tour. Fixing drainage problems, especially at Cayou Creek, was one of the primary recommendations from the Geotechnical Report. Given stated that it would not be possible to use impervious material to line the ditches.

When a county road is moved, the county cannot land-lock anyone, but there is nothing traditional about how this is accomplished, Given said. These decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis. Access roads serving four or more addresses require a 2-lane 20-22 foot road. The county will assume responsibility for maintaining code requirements in any road realignment. Setbacks for structures, septic systems, wells, etc. will be validated by variances or relocation.

After the committee submits its recommendations, PW will review them and begin searching for funds. Because of the very low volume of traffic and serious accidents, funding may be hard to find. There may now be federal money for projects not previously eligible. PW is committed to proceeding with a 10% design process—starting to do initial layout and design to determine viability. At that time, PW would return to the committee for input. This would be the time to begin discussions about wetland mitigation.

Next week’s agenda includes approval of an east-end, long-term proposal, presentation of pros and cons for short-term solutions, and discussion of the July 18 meeting.

The meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Edith Walden