Overview

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Walla Walla District, will repair the Nursery Bridge drop structure on the Walla Walla River in Milton-Freewater, Ore., during summer 2014. The Nursery Bridge drop structure is part of the Milton-Freewater Flood Control Project, which provides flood-risk-reduction benefits to the City of Milton-Freewater and surrounding residences and businesses. The drop structure also provides erosion protection for the Eastside Road and a railroad bridge, and includes a fish ladder that provides migration access to the upper Walla Walla River for salmonid species listed under the Endangered Species Act. The structure was damaged by high flows in April 2013. Without repair, the drop structure will likely continue to deteriorate and may eventually fail, leading to the loss of private property and public infrastructure. On May 21, 2013, the Milton-Freewater Water Control District requested assistance from Corps to repair the damaged drop structure. This project is in response to that request.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

The Corps prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) to address potential effects associated with the repair of the Nursery Bridge drop structure. As part of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other applicable laws, the Corps completed a public comment period on the draft Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and EA on May 21, 2014. Subsequently, the FONSI and EA were finalized on June 11, 2014. Both documents are available on this website (see links at right).

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the project manager at 509-527-7254.