'You got it,': Congresswoman Kim Schrier to Chelan County officials on request for prompt storm response

Chelan County Commissioners and county department directors met with Congresswoman Kim Schrier Tuesday via Zoom to talk about damages from the December rain and windstorm.

Among the topics hit on were Chumstick Highway (currently serving as a detour route for the Tumwater Canyon until US Highway 2 is repaired) and damages at the county's farmworkers camp in Monitor.

"We need to move quickly," said Chelan County Natural Resources Director Mike Kaputa when pinpointing the need for an emergency fix to the Stehekin River breech onto Company Creek Road. "I think will will likely need some support with the federal agencies to be able to move this work forward quickly."

"You got it," responded Shrier. "That's a question you should ask me, it's my job."

"Your interaction with the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service I think can be most valuable to us," Commissioner Brad Hawkins told Schrier. "I'm pretty confident of the work that will take place up in Holden. I think the U.S. Forest service has done a great job. The National Park Service has been very participatory, except when we press them as far as the questions about can we get permission to protect homes in the spring. It's been uncertain, in terms of their response."

A preliminary damage assessment was reported to the congresswoman.

"Chelan County Public Works submitted over $190,000, the City of Leavenworth submitted $96,000, Chelan County PUD submitted $3.5 million, said

Chelan County Emergency Management Supervisor, Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Reinfeld.