Our goal is to develop a voluntary, collaboration-based action plan for tide gate repair and replacement that is cost effective, efficient to implement and is supported by tide gate owners, regulatory agencies, and organizations providing technical assistance and funding.
The tide gate inventory is not yet complete but has already shown that tide gates along the coast and lower Columbia River likely number in the thousands. Many of the tide gates are aging and will likely require repair, replacement or removal in the coming years. This tide gate work group is convening to address the growing challenge of aging tide gates and associated infrastructure in coastal Oregon. If tide gates fail, roads, businesses, homes, and agricultural lands become more vulnerable to flooding and intense winter storms. Areas once managed by tide gates are at risk of becoming unmanaged wetlands. Currently, no statewide inventory of tide gates exists, nor is there a data-driven tool to help communities prioritize where tide gate repair or replacement would be most beneficial. In addition, engineering solutions are limited, and landowners are often hesitant to work with government agencies for fear of scrutiny and regulatory repercussions.
Here are some of the tools we are using for solutions to the Tide Gate process:
The tide gate steering committee has established a funding subcommittee. This group will propose possible funding strategies to submit to the Steering Committee and eventually to the larger Partnership Group. It is anticipated that the workload for Tide Gate repair/replacement/removal is going to substantially increase in the next few years as the inventory is completed and priority projects are identified.
OWEB has convened a small work group of agencies to review current federal, state and local regulations affecting tide gates. This work group is working on ways to streamline the process for permitting a tide gate project.
As a result of coordination with the tide gate work group, OWEB has contracted with Oregon State University to conduct an inventory of tide gates along the Oregon coast and the lower Columbia River. This inventory will give a clearer picture of the number and condition of tide gates. Collecting of the inventory data is being done using public information currently available. Estimated completion of this inventory is the end of 2018.
