Civilian and military activities aren’t always compatible, so Washington is drafting a guidebook to help local governments plan for interactions.
While there are no military bases near the Methow Valley, the county is part of a training area used by jets from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island.
The guidebook will not apply or alter regulations, but it will provide information about coordinated planning, said Deanah Watson, a program manager with the Washington Department of Commerce.
The Department of Commerce has produced several studies on the “unique challenges,” including noise and other potential impacts, for the state’s military installations and surrounding communities. Meanwhile, as land uses near a military facility change, the military’s ability to meet its objectives can be limited.
“We’re especially interested in highlighting any instances or strategies where local-level coordination between a community and the military has helped address, mitigate or prevent a condition where conflict did/could happen,” said Watson by email.
The Department of Commerce is soliciting input from the public for the guidebook through the end of the year. People will also be able to comment on the draft guidebook in early 2019.
People can provide suggestions through a web survey at www.surveymonkey.com/r/WAGuidebook, or by contacting the department directly. More information is available by searching for Growth Management Civilian Military Compatibility/Department of Commerce, or by calling (509) 290-4754.
