USDA proposes future flood relief program

WORLAND – The Washakie County Commission heard from a representative from the United States Department of Agriculture on Tuesday, introducing the opportunity to sponsor a flood relief program that could benefit county projects in the future.

Introduced by county Emergency Watershed Manager Laura Galloway of Ten Sleep, primary soil scientist James Bauchert with the USDA explained to commissioners the parameters of the Emergency Watershed Flood Funding program, and the role it could have in the local area.

While the program would not benefit the most recent flooding in Worland, it could help identify potential risk to wildlife and physical structures including private property and bridges.

While the USDA program would work mainly with primary sponsor, the Washakie County Conservation District, the agency would need the commission to co-sponsor, to fulfill a requirement demanding that at least one sponsor have authority of eminent domain and taxation.

“Anytime the phrase ‘eminent domain’ is used, I get a bit nervous,” noted Commissioner Fred Frandson. “I don’t like those two words.”

Bauchert assured the commission that all authority to invoke eminent domain in the case of an emergency situation remained the power of the commission, and that the USDA had no jurisdiction other than requiring a sponsoring body have the authority.

The commission agreed to review the program with the county attorney, and come to a resolution before the next commission meeting in March.

In other business, Public Health Nursing Manager Amanda Heinemeyer requested a budget hearing, to attain an additional $10,000 for the county vaccination program. The council agreed to review the matter and schedule it for the next regular meeting in March.