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Public Meeting - Repairs to Flood-Damaged National Forest Roads The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBS) is hosting a public meeting, March 25, 2006 at 1 p.m., in the Darrington High School Auditorium. The focus of the meeting will include updated information on planned repairs to roads damaged during the 2003 flood. Representatives from Snohomish County and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will also be on hand to answer questions regarding road projects and repairs under their jurisdictions. The WSDOT representative will be available after 2 p.m. to answer questions about the roadbed slumping problem on Highway 530. The 2003 flood caused damage on more than 50 national forest roads in the Darrington and Mt. Baker Ranger Districts. To date, 18 roads, including the River Road near Verlot, have been repaired The minor road repairs did not require the completion of an environmental assessment under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).. Minor repairs and culvert upgrades are scheduled for 2006. Five extensively damaged roads in the Darrington Ranger District required environmental assessments (EA) prior to any work being done. The Gold Mountain Road Repair Final EA is completed and nearing the end of its 45-day appeal period. With no appeal, work could start in May 2006. Repairs include rerouting, culverts, and replacing the White Chuck Bridge. The Suiattle Road 26 Final EA is near completion. A decision is expected in the next few days. Repairs include stabilization of two bridges and a reroute of the road. The Mountain Loop Highway EA is near completion. A decision is expected toward the end of March 2006. Work on the Mountain Loop would include realigning the road away from the South Fork Sauk River, upgrading culverts and the construction of a 60-foot bridge. The White Chuck Road EA will be completed later this year. Work would include rerouting a portion of the road. The Suiattle River Boundary Bridge EA is being completed by the Federal Highways Administration. That work would include replacing the Boundary Bridge. Once the NEPA process is completed on the above projects, repairs can begin, reopening many popular areas on the Darrington Ranger District. All road repair activities are planned for 2006-2007. ###