9-17-2018
HAMILTON, Wash. — While the Skagit County town of Lyman fights to stop the Skagit River from eating more of its land away, the town of Hamilton thinks it may be time to just pick up and move.
KING 5 reports Hamilton, just east of Lyman, is a small town of about 300 and experiences a significant flood every few years.
Mayor Joan Cromley says consistent flooding keeps the town from growing, so she’s asking for a $1.5 million state grant to begin planning the process of a move, that would likely take decades.
The idea would be to buy out willing homeowners and move them to new houses outside of the flood zone.
KING 5 reports The Skagit Land Trust has already bought property and a Seattle-based nonprofit may also make a large purchase.