The Planning Division has secured grant funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology to be appropriated in the 2023-2024 Biennium and the 2025-2026 Biennium, to assist in the County in the development of a Shoreline Master Program (SMP) User Guide and Tracking, Monitoring and Adaptive Management (TM&AM) Framework and Implementation Plan to monitor and adaptively manage the ecological functions of shorelines regulated by the County’s Shoreline Master Program.
The SMP User Guide document is to support more broadly the outreach communications, and understanding of SMP/SMA requirements, standards and processes for both potential recipients, as well as the broader public, as the County implements their SMP. Data monitored and analyzed in the TM&AM will include information on development in the shoreline jurisdiction under shoreline permits and exemptions, information on restoration projects conducted in the shoreline jurisdiction, and indicators of shoreline ecological function.
SMP Summer 2024
The County will be working on preparing a Public Participation Plan which includes guidelines and procedures for early and continuous public participation, and opportunities for input and comments related to the review and update of the County’s Shoreline Master Plan as well as County contact information and web address. This plan is a working document and will be adjusted as needed to provide for the greatest and broadest public participation. This work is funded by a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology (BC SEASPC-2325-BeCOPD-00030).
2025
Benton County is hosting public listening session on the County’s Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The purpose of this session is to receive public input and answer community member questions on the County’s SMP and share information on shoreline public access opportunities, the County’s SMP, and new tools being developed for the program. County residents interested in shoreline use, access, and protection are encouraged to attend this meeting.