Resolution 17-007 Closes Spokane River CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
SPOKANE COUNTY,WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. 17-007
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, WASHINGTON, DECLARING
THAT EMERGENCY CONDITIONS EXIST AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
CLOSE THE SPOKANE RIVER WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS UNTIL CONDITIONS PERMIT
IT TO BE REOPENED,AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO.
WHEREAS, the City may take appropriate action to protect the public health, safety, and welfare
of its citizens pursuant to the Washington State Constitution, Article XI Section 11, and RCW
35A.11.020; and
WHEREAS, due to high water levels resulting from seasonal runoff, the Spokane River is
exceeding what is considered flood level; and
WHEREAS, the City has been advised by Spokane County Sheriff Knezovich and Police Chief
Werner that these conditions constitute a significant safety concern, and that it is appropriate to prohibit
access to the Spokane River due to danger posed by the elevated water levels in the Spokane River.
These conditions pose a danger to any person entering the Spokane River, including rescue personnel.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane
County, Washington as follows:
Section 1.Authority to Close Access to the Spokane River.
a. No person may intentionally enter, swim, dive or float, with or without a boat, raft,
craft, or other floating device, in or upon the water of the Spokane River within the City limits.
b. The Spokane Valley Police Department is directed to take appropriate action to
enforce this Resolution for the public health, safety, and welfare.
c. The Spokane Valley Police Department may coordinate its actions in enforcing this
Resolution with the Spokane County Sheriff and other law enforcement agencies and
jurisdictions within Spokane County.
Section 1 Duration of Closure and Access to the Spokane River. This Resolution shall
be effective upon adoption, and shall continue in effect until the City is notified by the Spokane
County Sheriff that the conditions giving rise to this Resolution have abated. At that time, the
City Council may consider a subsequent resolution terminating these restrictions.
Adopted this 21st day of March, 2017.
City Spokane Valley r
A E L.R. Higgins, -/�;13':r-
_ id Al Approved as to form:
hristine Bainbridge, ity Clerk
(-12-17
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Office o he City orne
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Resolution 17-007—Closure on Use of Spokane River Page 1 of 1