Back

Commissioners pen letter to governor

(Photo is of Gov. Ferguson's June visit to Stehekin. Ferguson, far right, talks with county, state and federal officials at Company Creek Road.)

The Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 11 voted to send a letter to Gov. Bob Ferguson, requesting a funding partnership be formed between Chelan County and the state to pay for repairs to Company Creek Road in Stehekin.

In December 2025, a levee along the roadway was destroyed by the atmospheric river event that caused damaging flooding in the Stehekin area. A permanent fix to restore full access on the road and provide protections to private landowners has not been completed.

The letter reads:

 

Subject: Request for Funding Partnership for Stehekin’s Company Creek Road

Dear Governor Ferguson:

Thank you for recent visit to Stehekin to engage the local community and view, firsthand, Company Creek Road and the levee destroyed by the December 2025 atmospheric river event. As you witnessed, the flood damage to Company Creek Road and its levee has stranded over 20 properties and removed flood protection for downstream properties. Almost nine months later, the road has yet to be repaired.  While the National Park Service has built a portion of a temporary road to restore partial access, it offers no real protection or access in its current state.  Without a completed and fully connected Company Creek Road before this fall and winter, it is likely that catastrophic flooding will occur again and, with it, potential loss of life and property.    

While we feel strongly that the National Park Service has a clear responsibility to complete the road prior to the upcoming flood season, they have proven incapable of taking action in time. Chelan County has actively exploring ways to finish this project in lieu of NPS fulfilling its responsibility. We are completing project design, securing permits and finalizing agreements with NPS and private property owners. Rock delivery for the project must begin in the next couple weeks, and road construction must be started in September, if the project is to be completed before likely October rain events.

Chelan County is prepared to provide funding to help construct the project, and we ask for your partnership in funding the project as well.  We understand that our respective staff have been communicating and sharing information to support a funding request from your office. We hope that your office can provide funds quickly as the construction window is rapidly closing.

Again, we appreciate your attention to Stehekin. The community is a significant economic benefit to Chelan County and hosts visitors from throughout the world. We hope you will partner with us to support one of Washington’s most beautiful and popular communities.

 

Sincerely,

Commissioner Kevin Overbay, District 1

Commissioner Shon Smith, District 2

Commissioner Brad Hawkins, District 3

Last Updated: 08/11/2026 02:20 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 12
    Sep 2026
    10:00 AM - 03:00 PM

    Cashmere Airport Day

    Posted by: Board Of County Commissioners

    Come for the food, the fun and the airplanes! A casual day to explore your local county airport.

    Cashmere Airport
  • 05
    Sep 2026
    09:00 AM - 04:00 PM

    Monthly Drop-Off Saturday - Sept. 5, 2026

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Drop-Off Saturday at the Moderate Risk Waste Facility is Sept. 5

    Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 18
    Aug 2026
    01:30 PM - 02:00 PM

    Public Meeting: Certify Election

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 18
    Aug 2026
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office
  • 12
    Aug 2026
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office