5-SBCTC LakeSwanoDam CapitalProjectRequest.pdf

699 - Community and Technical College System

2025-27 Biennium

Capital Project Request

OFM

Version: S1 SBCTC 2025-27 Capital Request

Project Number: 40001150

Date Run: 8/20/2024 3:32PM

Report Number: CBS002

Grays Harbor College: Lake Swano DamProject Title:

Description

Starting Fiscal Year: 2026

Project Class: Preservation 8Agency Priority:

This project will fund an alternatives analysis and design to replace or reconstruct Lake Swano Dam at Grays Harbor College.

Project Summary

Project Description

1. Identify the problem or opportunity addressed. Why is the request a priority? This narrative should identify unserved/underserved people or communities, operating budget savings, public safety improvements or other backup necessary to understand the need for the request. For preservation projects, it is helpful to include information about the current condition of the facility or system.

Following the reclassification of Lake Swano Dam to "Hazard Class 1A-High" by the Washington State Department of Ecology-Dam Safety Office in 2020, the Lake Swano Dam, an essential infrastructure component for Grays Harbor College and the surrounding community in the City of Aberdeen, has reached a critical point in its lifecycle.

The 80-year-old earth-type dam is classified by the Washington State Department of Ecology as a "high hazard,” “poor condition” dam. The hazard potential classification of "high” is assigned to dams where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life. The condition assessment classification of “poor” is when a dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operation conditions which may realistically occur. Constructed eight decades ago, the earthen dam's current state presents multiple challenges, including structural degradation, increased risk of failure, and significant safety concerns.

These issues have been identified through recent inspections and assessments, which highlight the urgent need for intervention to prevent potential catastrophic outcomes. Remedial action is necessary, see Appendix 1 for additional information.

The request for $1 million in legislative funding is a high priority for several reasons:

Public Safety:

· Risk of Catastrophic Failure: The structural integrity of the Lake Swano Dam has deteriorated over the years. Without immediate remediation, the likelihood of dam failure increases, posing severe risks to downstream communities, infrastructure, and natural habitats. A dam failure could result in loss of life, especially considering the residential portion of Aberdeen downstream that would be impacted.

· Access and Emergency Services: The Lake Swano Dam includes a road over the top of the dam that serves as a critical access point to two of the college's vocational buildings housing the welding, diesel, and automotive technology programs.

This road also provides access to the college's secondary emergency access point, essential for tsunami evacuation or other emergency situations. The integrity of the dam and the road is vital for ensuring safe and reliable access to these facilities and for maintaining emergency preparedness.

Environmental Preservation:

Ecosystem Protection: Lake Swano and its surrounding ecosystems support diverse wildlife and plant species. A failure or improper remediation of the dam could lead to habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, and long-term ecological damage.

Community Impact:

Unserved/Underserved Populations: The lake and dam provide recreational and educational opportunities for the community, particularly for those who may not have access to other similar resources. Geographically, the proposal directly benefits the City of Aberdeen by enhancing infrastructure resilience and safety. A large residential portion of Aberdeen is downstream of Lake Swano Dam, and more than 225 residences would be impacted if the dam were to fail. These impacted homes are

2025-27 Biennium

Capital Project Request

OFM

Version: S1 SBCTC 2025-27 Capital Request

Project Number: 40001150

Date Run: 8/20/2024 3:32PM

Report Number: CBS002

Grays Harbor College: Lake Swano DamProject Title:

Description disproportionately below the poverty line, with poorer health outcomes. The area ranks 10 out of 10 on a scale of Social Determinants according to the Washington State Department of Health, indicating high vulnerability due to poverty, lack of health insurance, and significant representation of people of color with limited English proficiency.

Recreational and Educational Hub: Lake Swano serves as a point for community recreation, providing opportunities for fishing, hiking, and nature observation. It is also integral to Grays Harbor College's educational programs, particularly within the aquaculture center, which can raise and release fish in Lake Swano and Alder Creek. The lake is currently stocked with fish by the City of Aberdeen's fish hatchery. Additionally, Lake Swano and Alder Creek are utilized as a model watershed for educational purposes at Grays Harbor College. Any compromise to the dam's integrity could disrupt these activities, impacting both community enjoyment and educational opportunities.

Economic Considerations:

Operational Cost Savings: Investing in the dam's remediation now will prevent higher future costs associated with emergency response, repairs after potential failure, and long-term economic impacts on the community.

Current Condition of the Dam System The Lake Swano Dam is currently in a state of disrepair, characterized by:

Cracks and Erosion: Visible cracks and signs of erosion have been noted on the dam structure, indicating significant wear and potential points of failure. The stability was further put at risk from a recent water main break that eroded a portion of the dam, necessitating the placement of large rip rap rock on the water side of the dam to ensure the integrity of the dam and the road that goes over the top of the dam.

Outdated Design: The dam was built using outdated engineering standards, making it less resilient to current environmental conditions and regulatory requirements.

Insufficient Capacity: The dam's current capacity to manage water flow is inadequate, increasing the risk of overflow and subsequent flooding during heavy rainfall or storm events.

Dam levels are currently managed through one of the outflows using lumber slats.

Overflow spillways are staggered culverts that are collapsing inward from the weight of the dam and the road that runs over

it. These culverts are cracking which is allowing water to enter the culverts from the soil above it, not from the outflow system itself. Detailed photos are available in Appendix 2.

Soil instability: The earthen dam is composed of soil materials that have shown signs of instability and weakening over time, compromising the overall strength and reliability of the dam structure. This instability was noted by the Department of Ecology which led to the department categorizing the dam as high risk, high hazard.

The requested funding will enable a comprehensive approach to addressing these issues, whether by removing and replacing the dam or building a new one that meets modern safety and environmental standards. Well-planned remediation efforts will also ensure continued operations at Grays Harbor College and offset liability to the State of Washington by taking proactive measures. This investment will safeguard public safety, preserve environmental health, and ensure the continued benefit of Lake Swano for the community.

2. What will the request produce or construct (i.e., predesign or design of a building, construction of additional space, etc.)? When will the project start and be completed? Identify whether the project can be phased, and if so, which phase is included in the request. Please provide detailed cost backup.

2025-27 Biennium

Capital Project Request

OFM

Version: S1 SBCTC 2025-27 Capital Request

Project Number: 40001150

Date Run: 8/20/2024 3:32PM

Report Number: CBS002

Grays Harbor College: Lake Swano DamProject Title:

Description

Project Deliverables The requested $1 million in legislative funding will support the comprehensive remediation of the Lake Swano Dam. The project will produce the following key deliverables:

Predesign and Design Phase:

· Engineering Assessments: Detailed evaluations of the dam's current condition, including structural integrity, hydrological impact, and environmental assessments.

· Design Solutions: Development of remediation plans, which may include removing and replacing it or constructing a new dam. These designs will adhere to modern safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.

Construction Phase:

· Replacement: Depending on the chosen remediation strategy, the project will involve significant construction work to remove the old dam, replacing it with another form of infrastructure (i.e., bridge) or build a new dam at the same site.

· Environmental Mitigation: Measures to protect and restore local ecosystems impacted by construction activities, including habitat restoration and water quality management.

Project Timeline The project is designed to start promptly upon receiving funding, following this projected timeline:

· Planning and Mobilization (Months 1-3): Secure necessary permits and approvals Finalize project management plans and mobilize resources

· Predesign and Design Phase (Months 4-9): Conduct detailed engineering assessments Develop design solutions and conduct environmental impact assessments Hold public consultations and stakeholder meetings

· Construction Phase (Months 10-24): Execute construction plans, including dam replacement, or new construction.

Implement environmental mitigation measures. Conduct regular progress reviews and quality control assessments.

· Project Completion and Handover (Month 25): Final inspections and quality assurance. Handover of the completed project to Grays Harbor College. Final documentation and reporting

Phased Implementation The project can be phased to manage funding and operational impacts effectively. The requested $1 million will cover the initial phase, which includes predesign and design activities. Subsequent phases, subject to additional funding and approval, will encompass construction and environmental mitigation efforts.

Phase 1: Predesign and Design:

· Cost Estimate: $1 million

· Engineering assessments: $400,000

· Design development: $350,000

· Environmental impact assessments: $150,000

· Public consultations and stakeholder engagement: $100,000

Phase 2: Construction (Seeking funding through State/Federal grant programs where applicable):

· Cost Estimate: $10 million (approximate, depending on final design alternative)

Phase 3: Project Completion and Handover

This phased approach ensures that the project progresses systematically, allowing for thorough planning, community

2025-27 Biennium

Capital Project Request

OFM

Version: S1 SBCTC 2025-27 Capital Request

Project Number: 40001150

Date Run: 8/20/2024 3:32PM

Report Number: CBS002

Grays Harbor College: Lake Swano DamProject Title:

Description involvement, and careful management of resources and environmental impacts. The initial funding will lay the groundwork for the subsequent construction phase, setting the project on a solid path to successful completion.

3. How would the request address the problem or opportunity identified in question 1? What would be the result of not acting?

The requested $1 million funding will directly address the critical safety and environmental issues associated with the Lake Swano Dam. Here’s how:

Public Safety Improvements

· Dam Reconstruction: By removing the dam and constructing a new dam or bridge, we will mitigate the risk of dam failure, which poses a significant threat to downstream communities, college infrastructure, and public safety. A robust and modern structure will ensure the safety of students, staff, and residents in the surrounding areas.

· Flood Prevention: Proper remediation of the dam will help prevent potential flooding, which can cause extensive damage to property, disrupt college operations, and threaten lives.

Environmental Benefits:

· Habitat Restoration: Removing or properly reconstructing the dam can restore natural water flow, which is crucial for the health of aquatic ecosystems. It will benefit local wildlife, including fish populations, by improving water quality and habitat conditions.

· Operational Efficiency:

· Resource Allocation: Investing in a long-term solution for the dam will reduce the need for ongoing emergency repairs and maintenance, allowing for more efficient allocation of Grays Harbor College resources. This can lead to cost savings in the operating budget and provide financial stability.

· Sustainability: A newly constructed dam will ensure the sustainable use of Lake Swano for educational and recreational purposes, supporting the college’s mission and community engagement.

Consequences of Inaction:

· Increased Risk of Catastrophic Failure: Failure to address the dam’s structural deficiencies could result in a catastrophic failure, leading to severe flooding, loss of life, and extensive property damage. The potential for such an event represents an unacceptable risk to public safety and reduces risk for the State of Washington.

· Environmental Degradation: Without intervention, the current dam’s condition will continue to degrade the local environment.

Poor water quality, disrupted ecosystems, and accelerated erosion will harm wildlife and reduce the lake’s natural beauty and utility.

· Financial and Operational Strain: Continued neglect of the dam will result in higher costs for emergency repairs and crisis management, straining the college’s budget and diverting funds from other important initiatives. This reactive approach is inefficient and unsustainable.

· Negative Impact on College and State Reputation: Three industrial technology programs would be inaccessible if the dam was to fail. Automotive, Diesel Technology, and Welding students would not be able to complete their programs because access to the site would be impossible. This would be catastrophic to the community’s workforce.

· Complete disruption of Industrial Technology programs: Failure to act on a known safety and environmental issue can damage Grays Harbor College’s and the State of Washington’s reputation, eroding trust with students, staff, and the community. Proactively addressing the problem demonstrates responsible stewardship and commitment to safety and sustainability.

By securing the requested funding, Grays Harbor College will ensure a comprehensive solution to the issues posed by the Lake Swano Dam, safeguarding public safety, preserving the environment, and promoting operational efficiency.

4. What alternatives were explored? Why was the recommended alternative chosen? Be prepared to provide detailed

2025-27 Biennium

Capital Project Request

OFM

Version: S1 SBCTC 2025-27 Capital Request

Project Number: 40001150

Date Run: 8/20/2024 3:32PM

Report Number: CBS002

Grays Harbor College: Lake Swano DamProject Title:

Description cost backup. If this project has an associated predesign, please summarize the alternatives the predesign considered.

Following the reclassification of Lake Swano Dam to "Hazard Class 1A-High" by the Washington State Department of Ecology-Dam Safety Office in 2020, Grays Harbor College took comprehensive steps to address the dam's safety and operational challenges:

· Completion of Recommendations: Grays Harbor College diligently executed all recommendations issued by the Department of Ecology-Dam Safety Office to enhance the Dam's safety protocols and operational resilience, including lowering the level of the lake.

· Emergency Action Plan Update: The institution promptly updated its Emergency Action Plan to align with the revised safety requirements, ensuring readiness for emergency scenarios.

· Engineering Assessment by KPFF: Grays Harbor College engaged KPFF, a civil engineering firm from the Department of Enterprise Services’ on-call list, to conduct a thorough assessment of the dam. The primary objective was to develop strategies for enhancing slope stability and ensuring structural integrity.

· Geotechnical Study Findings: Subsequently, KPFF enlisted a geotechnical consultant to evaluate the density and compaction of the dam structure. The study revealed unexpected soil conditions, indicating that conventional methods to stabilize the slope were impractical. This assessment concluded that the dam must undergo substantial reconstruction or potential demolition to meet safety standards. See Appendix 3.

· Current Status and Future Plans: In response to the initial findings, Grays Harbor College is actively seeking initial funding to commission a second study. This subsequent study aims to explore alternative actions for the dam's mitigation (see Appendix 4).Additional funding is also being pursued to support the implementation of the recommended action plan, ensuring long-term safety and operational sustainability.

5. Which clientele would be impacted by the budget request? Where and how many units would be added, people or communities served, etc.

The budget request will impact several key clienteles and stakeholders:

· Residents and citizens of the City of Aberdeen: The remediation of Lake Swano Dam directly affects approximately 225 residences by ensuring continued safety and functionality of the dam, which could otherwise pose risks if not remediated.

· County and State Emergency Management: These agencies depend on the dam's stability for emergency response preparedness, particularly in disaster scenarios such as tsunamis. Grays Harbor College serves as a crucial emergency evacuation route, and the road over the dam is a vital access point for the community to seek higher ground during emergencies. Addressing dam concerns ensures readiness and enhances the college's role in community safety and disaster response, supporting effective emergency management operations in times of crisis.

· Department of Ecology: Ensuring the dam's integrity aligns with environmental standards and regulations, safeguarding local ecosystems and water quality.

· Grays Harbor College(Workforce Development / Employer): For most academic quarters, approximately 90 individuals associated with Grays Harbor College's automotive, diesel, and welding programs rely on essential services such as power, water, sewer, and fiber that currently run through the dam. Remediation of the dam would ensure uninterrupted access to these critical services, thereby safeguarding the educational continuity and training opportunities for these students.

Additionally, the Natural Resources program, with around thirty students, benefits from the dam's outdoor learning environment, including the model watershed and aquaculture center. Ensuring the remediation of the dam is essential for maintaining these educational resources and supporting Grays Harbor College's role as a regional employer, providing stability for faculty, staff, and students alike.

The project's impact extends beyond immediate users to ensure broader community safety, educational continuity, and environmental stewardship within the region of LakeSwano Dam.

6. Does this project or program leverage non-state funding? If yes, how much by source? If the other funding source

2025-27 Biennium

Capital Project Request

OFM

Version: S1 SBCTC 2025-27 Capital Request

Project Number: 40001150

Date Run: 8/20/2024 3:32PM

Report Number: CBS002

Grays Harbor College: Lake Swano DamProject Title:

Description requires cost share, also include the minimum state (or other) share of project cost allowable and the supporting citation or documentation.

This project does not currently leverage non-state funding. Efforts are underway to secure external funding sources to supplement state funding. Specifically, a grant application has been submitted to FEMA through the Department of Ecology, pending selection. Additionally, federal funding has been requested through the Community Project Funding initiative via Representative Derek Kilmer's office. These efforts aim to diversify funding sources and potentially reduce the state's financial commitment to the project, contingent upon successful grant awards and federal appropriations.

7. Describe how this project supports the agency’s strategic master plan or would improve agency performance.

Reference feasibility studies, master plans, space programming and other analyses as appropriate.

This project aligns closely with Grays Harbor College's strategic objectives and supports its mission to provide quality education and workforce development opportunities. The remediation of Lake Swano Dam directly enhances campus safety and infrastructure resilience, crucial elements of the college's strategic master plan. By securing the dam's stability and improving infrastructure reliability (including power, water, sewer, and fiber services that run through the dam), the project ensures uninterrupted operation of critical programs like automotive, diesel, and welding. This initiative also safeguards natural resources education through the preservation of the model watershed and aquaculture center, integral to the college's environmental and educational goals. Furthermore, as an emergency evacuation route for the community, maintaining the dam's functionality supports public safety initiatives outlined in both local and state emergency management plans. These enhancements underscore the project's alignment with Grays Harbor College's strategic priorities, reinforcing its role as a vital educational institution and regional employer.

8. Does this decision package include funding for any Information Technology related costs including hardware, software (to include cloud-based services), contracts or staff? If the answer is yes, you will be prompted to attach a complete IT addendum. (See Chapter 10 of the operating budget instructions for additional requirements.)

Not applicable- This request does not include IT-related costs.

9. If the project is linked to the Puget Sound Action Agenda, describe the impacts on the Action Agenda, including expenditure and FTE detail. See Chapter 14 (Puget Sound Recovery and Governor’s Salmon Strategy) in the 2025-27 Operating Budget Instructions.

Not applicable- This project is not linked to the Puget Sound Action Agenda.

10. How does this project contribute to meeting the greenhouse gas emissions limits established in RCW 70A.45.050, clean buildings performance standards in RCW19.27A.210,or other statewide goals to reduce carbon pollution and/or improve energy efficiency? Please elaborate. For buildings subject to the clean building’s performance standards, describe your compliance pathway for the building, and include information about energy audits, metering, and energy benchmarking.

Not applicable- This request is to prepare an alternatives analysis to address Swano Lake Dam’s stability concerns.

11. How is your proposal impacting equity in the state? Which communities are impacted by this proposal? Include both demographic and geographic communities. How are disparities in communities impacted?

This proposal for the remediation of Lake Swano Dam significantly impacts equity across Grays Harbor County and beyond, addressing disparities in both demographic and geographic communities. Specifically, the communities impacted include:

· Demographic Communities: The proposal benefits diverse student populations enrolled in Grays Harbor College's workforce development programs, particularly those studying Automotive, Diesel, and Welding trades. These programs serve a wide range of students, including those from underserved and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. By ensuring uninterrupted access to education and training, the project promotes equity by supporting pathways to economic mobility and reducing disparities in access to high-demand skilled labor opportunities.

2025-27 Biennium

Capital Project Request

OFM

Version: S1 SBCTC 2025-27 Capital Request

Project Number: 40001150

Date Run: 8/20/2024 3:32PM

Report Number: CBS002

Grays Harbor College: Lake Swano DamProject Title:

Description

· Geographic Communities: Geographically, the proposal directly benefits the City of Aberdeen and surrounding areas by enhancing infrastructure resilience and safety. A large residential portion of Aberdeen is downstream of Lake Swano Dam, and more than 225 residences would be impacted if the dam were to fail. These impacted homes are disproportionately below the poverty line, with poorer health outcomes. The area ranks 10 out of 10 on a scale of Social Determinants according to the Washington State Department of Health, indicating high vulnerability due to poverty, lack of health insurance, and significant representation of people of color with limited English proficiency.

Grays Harbor County, where the dam is located, is an economically distressed area in Washington State, with a prime-age (25-54 years) employment gap significantly higher than the national average. It has the highest prime-age employment gap (PAEG) of all counties in the state at 14.99%. The continuity of workforce programs in Grays Harbor County is critical to developing skilled workers and closing this employment gap.

In the event of a dam failure, the interruption of utilities and access to facilities would have a profound impact on vital workforce programs specializing in welding, automotive, and diesel technology training. Given these economic challenges, ensuring the reliability of these programs is essential for supporting local economic development and reducing unemployment rates.

By addressing these critical infrastructure needs, the proposal not only enhances educational and economic opportunities but also reinforces the safety and resilience of communities disproportionately affected by environmental and infrastructure vulnerabilities. This approach underscores the project's commitment to equity and inclusive community development across Grays Harbor County.

12. Is this project eligible for Direct Pay? If the answer is yes, you must include this project to the list of direct pay projects and information for submittal (see Chapter 1.7 of the capital budget instructions for additional instructions).

Not applicable. The remediation of Lake Swano Dam is not eligible for Direct Pay.

13. Is there additional information you would like decision makers to know when evaluating this request?

When evaluating this request for dam remediation, it's important for decision makers to consider the broad support and collaboration behind this project. The remediation efforts are endorsed by key stakeholders including the City of Aberdeen, Grays Harbor County, Washington State Military’s Emergency Management Division, Washington State Department of Ecology, and Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges. Each of these agencies has provided letters of support (see Appendixes 5-9), underscoring their recognition of the critical need to address the dam's stability and safety concerns.

These letters of support in the appendix highlight the collective commitment to safeguarding public safety, protecting environmental resources, and ensuring the continued functionality of essential infrastructure for the community and Grays Harbor College. Decision makers should consider this collaborative endorsement and the shared understanding of the importance of investing in the remediation of Lake Swano Dam to mitigate risks and support long-term resilience.

14.Reappropriation: if the project was originally funded prior to the 2021-23biennium, describe the project and each subproject, including the original appropriation year, status of the project and an explanation why a reappropriation is needed.

Not applicable - This project was not funded prior to the 2021-2022 biennium.

15.If the project is linked to the Governor’s Salmon Strategy provide an explanation of how the budget request relates to a salmon strategy action, is urgent in the coming biennium to advance salmon recovery, is aligned with a federally approved salmon recovery plan, and/or advances a known tribal priority.

Currently, the project is not associated with Governor Jay Inslee's Salmon Strategy. However, Lake Swano is integral to local

2025-27 Biennium

Capital Project Request

OFM

Version: S1 SBCTC 2025-27 Capital Request

Project Number: 40001150

Date Run: 8/20/2024 3:32PM

Report Number: CBS002

Grays Harbor College: Lake Swano DamProject Title:

Description aquaculture efforts, receiving fish stocks from the City of Aberdeen and supporting the aquaculture center, historically involved in fish raising for release into the lake and Alder Creek. While the aquaculture program is temporarily inactive due to faculty shortages, its operations depend on Lake Swano.

The remediation of Lake Swano Dam is crucial for preserving the lake's environmental health and potential future contributions to local salmon and habitat restoration initiatives. Although it does not directly align with specific tribal priorities or the Governor's Salmon Strategy currently, ensuring the dam's structural integrity supports broader environmental goals.

This project's impact on aquatic resources highlights its relevance to broader conservation efforts, demonstrating its potential alignment with future salmon recovery plans or tribal priorities as opportunities emerge.

Location City: Aberdeen County: Grays Harbor Legislative District: 019

Project Type

Infrastructure (Major Projects)

Growth Management impacts

N/A

Funding

Account Title Estimated

Total Prior

Biennium Current

Biennium Reapprops New

Approps Acct Code

Expenditures 2025-27 Fiscal Period

057-1 1,000,000 1,000,000 State Bldg Constr-State

1,000,000 0 0 0 1,000,000 Total

2027-29 2029-31 2031-33 2033-35

Future Fiscal Periods

057-1 State Bldg Constr-State

0 0 0 0 Total

Operating Impacts

No Operating Impact

Narrative

This project is for an alternatives analysis and design funding to replace or reconstruct Lake Swano Dam on the Grays Harbor College campus.

2025-27 Biennium

Capital Project Request

OFM

Parameter

Agency

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Biennium

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Entered As

2025-27

S1-A

40001150

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Interpreted As

2025-27

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Priority

Agency Budget

40001150

S1-A

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