The best argument against the dam continues to be economic. In order to qualify for federal funding, the benefits must exceed the costs. So look closely at how the alleged benefits are valued. The Corps has studied Chehalis River flooding numerous times, and every single time, the costs of any effective flood control project has exceeded the benefits. The only way this dam gets built is if federal funding plays a role. Lewis County sure can't afford to pay for it. And WA state, while it possibly could, should know better. And the only way federal funding can be had is for the WA Congressional delegation to include an exemption to the B:C requirement in some other piece of legislation.

Such a big deal is made about I-5 being closed for up to 5 days once every 10 years due to flooding. It's not that big a deal! There are functional detours that may result in an inconvenience and delay of maybe an hour or two, depending on the alternative route used.

Building the Chehalis River dam would be an exercise in throwing good money after bad. Don't fall for it!