Chelan seeks FEMA aid for flood debris cleanup

CHELAN — The logs and woody debris that have piled up along Chelan's beaches and parks since spring could eventually qualify for federal disaster reimbursement, as city officials seek FEMA assistance for a cleanup tied to last winter's catastrophic flooding in Stehekin.

On July 14, the Chelan City Council approved an agreement with the Washington State Military Department that would allow the city to receive federal disaster assistance if its pending application to the Federal Emergency Management Agency is approved.

Parks and Recreation Director Audrey Cooper said the debris now littering Chelan's shoreline is directly tied to the December 2025 atmospheric river that devastated Stehekin. Although the flooding occurred months before debris reached Chelan, changing lake levels gradually carried logs and woody material south until they began washing onto beaches, parks and into Don Morse Marina this spring.

"We did not see that woody debris in Chelan until probably about April or May," Cooper said. "We kind of knew it was going to impact us at some point, but we did not know within our city limits and on our properties what that impact would look like, when it would occur, how long it would last. We're still seeing that, and we still don't have a full clear picture of what the impact's going to look like."

Cooper said the city believes it qualifies for federal assistance because it can directly connect the cleanup costs to the federally declared disaster, despite the delayed arrival of the debris.

The agreement approved Tuesday does not guarantee funding. FEMA is still reviewing the city's request, and the Washington State Military Department would serve as the pass-through agency if federal reimbursement is awarded.

Council members also discussed a separate Chelan County application seeking FEMA funding for a long-term solution to intercept or remove floating woody debris before it reaches developed portions of the lake, including public beaches and the city's marina.

If approved, the city's reimbursement request would help offset the costs of cleaning public parks, beaches and other city-owned property affected by debris from the December flooding.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media