Tillamook County Commissioners declared a “state of emergency” at their morning meeting today December 6th; while hearing reports from Public Works Director Chris Laity, and damage reports, flooding and more continued throughout the county.
As the heavy equipment rolled onto Miami-Foley Road in Tillamook County, Public Works Director Chris Laity found himself heading to South County and Sandlake Road, where another area of road had disappeared. Geotechnical engineers will arrive tomorrow to assessment the situation on Sandlake Road, which is closed just south of Tierra Del Mar, north of Pacific City, near the McPhillips Drive intersection.
Meanwhile, Public Works Director Laity had been making arrangements to “speed up” the planned culvert replacement-with-a-bridge project at Crystal Creek on at milepost 8.8 on Miami-Foley Road. This was a “temporary” culvert placed after a catastrophic blowout in 2015. The culvert was scheduled to be replaced by a bridge in the summer of 2024. Laity had just signed finalized contracts for construction, was able to secure needed materials and bridge will be built in 10 to 14 days. The expedite construction, the road will remain closed throughout construction. Heavy equipment was moved in today with construction underway. Pioneer photorgrapher/videographer Don Backman joined valley news crews at Miami Foley to document the beginning of construction. Public Works Director Laity estimates the constuction will take 10 to 14 days, and the route will remain closed throughout construction.
Sandlake Road is closed north of Pacific City, south of Tierra Del Mar near the intersection with McKillips Road in south Tilamook County.
As stated above geotechnical experts are expected tomorrow to assess the route. Here are some photos from Jon Laucks:
From Tillamook Fire Chief Jeff McBrayer: “Tillamook Fire District Volunteer Firefighters responded to 12 water rescue calls, along with the usual medical and rescue responses. Most water rescues were due to people driving around barricades and onto flooded roadways. No serious injuries or deaths were reported, but some victims were evaluated by Tillamook Ambulance for hypothermia. Tillamook Volunteers also created diversionary drainage away from several houses to prevent residential flooding. Thank you for reaching out and allowing us to recognize the Volunteers many sleepless nights!”
Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue Chief Frank Knight: “We were fortunate not to have any rescues during the weather event, but we did assist the City of Wheeler with the flooding of the post office and streets of downtown Wheeler.”
In Wheeler, Gervais Creek culvert agaim flooded the Wheeler post office and multiple businesses in downtown Wheeler.
Clothing, Supply Drive for Houseless – Re:Current – collecting items:
PLEASE SHARE! The homeless camp flooded and a bunch of folks lost everything. We are hosting an emergency drive for the following items. Please make sure they are clean and in working order before donating.
Tents
Tarps
WATERPROOF gear (jackets, coats, pants, boots)
Pet food
Camp stoves
Can openers
Drinking water
Blankets (fleece or wool – no cotton)
Socks & Underwear (no used underwear please)
Clothing – basic tops and pants (most of the homeless are men and these will be in the highest demand)
Stable, ready-to-eat meals – canned tuna salad, crackers, baked beans
Gift cards to Safeway or Fred Meyer
The drive goes through Sunday but please donate as soon as you can – people need items now and local nonprofits can’t keep up with the increased demand. We will give anyone who donates 20% off their purchase. Drop off at 2015 2nd street in Tillamook during business hours, 11-4:30 Sunday-Thursday 10-6 Friday-Saturday.