Detour opens access to Castle Rock bridge; RV resort owner has spots for evacuees
Thursday, January 8, 2009 8:04 PM PST
By Cheryll A. Borgaard
Printable version
E-mail this articleCASTLE ROCK — If it weren’t for a big gravel parking lot northwest of the A Street bridge, there’d be no way into Castle Rock from the west side.
The Cowlitz River poured over its western banks Wednesday evening, flooding the city fairgrounds and making the approach to the bridge impassable. A detour was set up through property across from the fairgrounds, bypassing the flooded roadway.
About 6 inches of water flooded the basement living quarters at Four Corners General Store, where volunteers were loading furniture into a utility trailer Thursday morning.
In and around town, the curious were snapping photos of the flooded areas and swollen river, which at Lion’s Pride Park was just inches from the riverfront trail. However, the Cowlitz had crested earlier today and river forecasters say it will start receding over the next week.
At City Hall on Thursday morning, city officials were relieved the worst apparently is over. The National Weather Service Wednesday had said the high water had a chance of breaching the city’s dike.
“I’m heading for home after this morning’s briefing,” said a weary-looking Dave Vorse, public works director. Vorse and his crew, along with a handful of volunteers, had made hourly checks on the levees.
City Clerk Ryana Covington also had a sleepless night at City Hall, though it was mostly quiet until 5 a.m. when telephone activity picked up, she said.
“People were calling about what roads might be open, trying to find the best way to get to work,” Covington said.
The only areas evacuated in the wee hours of Thursday morning were Green Acres north of the high school and Mosier Road.
Jennifer Hughes was packing her car at 2:30 a.m. with blankets, pillows and a change of clothes for her family. “The police came with sirens about half an hour ago, “ said Hughes, who has lived in Green Acres for seven years. “I was a little surprised. I didn’t think it was going to get bad enough to have to leave.”
Her two sleepy youngsters had packed their own essentials.
“I packed cars and my batman motorcycle,” said Deren Hughes, 6, pointing to his backpack.
“I have my Barbies. I couldn’t fit anything else,” said Makaila Hughes, 8.
Hughes and her family were heading to her sister’s home on Ocean Beach Highway.
RV resort spots available
The owner of a new RV resort in the Castle Rock area is offering evacuees the use of RV sites at no charge for up to 30 days.
The resort is on the southwest corner of Interstate 5 and Barnes/Toutle Park Road (take exit 52 and look to the southwest). Driving directions aer at www.greatrvresort.com.
Charlie Curry said there are approximately 200 RV sites that are fully functional and landscaped. Most have power, water and sewer but do not yet have telephones or cable. Cellular phone service and antenna TV reception is good, Curry said.
He said the park will furnish all utility costs, including power, water and garbage. Laundry and shower facilities are on site.
“We will be accepting RVs all day (Thursday) until 8 p.m.,” Curry said. “These sites are first come and will accommodate RVs up to 75 feet long. Our only requirement is that all guest will need to provide identification and fill in a brief security questionnaire and all RVs must be self-contained.”
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