PORT ANGELES — Port Angeles is contributing another $1,500 toward fighting a proposed court order sought by the National Wildlife Federation that could halt waterfront development.
In a 4-3 vote Tuesday, the City Council narrowly approved the contribution — its second over the past month — which brings its total commitment to $2,500.
The funds will go toward fighting a proposed injunction the conservation group is seeking in federal court that would halt the sale of flood insurance in flood plains while its lawsuit against the Federal Emergency Management Agency is being resolved.
In its lawsuit, the wildlife federation claims FEMA is not doing enough to protect salmon and orca whales by failing to properly regulate development in sensitive areas.
The injunction would stop development along the shoreline, staff said, and 15 other Western Washington cities also are contributing money to fund a joint defense through the Association of Washington Cities.
The city’s role in the litigation would be limited to fighting the proposed injunction.
Opposed
Noting concerns over the rising cost of the litigation, City Council members Brad Collins, Sissi Bruch and Max Mania voted against contributing any more funds to the legal fight.
“I don’t think the residents of Port Angeles can afford to carry this fight,” Collins said.
The city’s argument, staff said, is that the combination of local, state and federal regulations more than adequately protects endangered species, such as salmon and orcas.
“We are all interested in protecting endangered species,” said Nathan West, city economic and community development director.
“If we don’t engage at this point in time,” he added, referring to the lawsuit, “they will simply impose more mandates.”
The injunction also would apply to Port Townsend.
Port Townsend City Manager David Timmons has said the city will stay out of the litigation because its flood plain areas are relatively minor in size and he thinks its regulations are adequate.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
