News & Announcements

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an economic and health crisis across the country. Columbia County's economic development partners encourages everyone to love where you live and shop local. The City of Dayton, the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, and the Port of Columbia presents: Choose Columbia County - Big Hearts for Small Businesses. 

For a printable PDF, please click here.

For more information, and to enter for up to $50 Dayton Dollars, visit and follow the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Facebook page. 

Additional details on daily themes:

• Make it Monday
• Take Out Tuesday
• Whatcha Got Wednesday
• Thirsty Thursday
• Fix-it Friday
• Shop Online Saturday
• Soothing Sunday

Additionally, bookmark Choose Columbia County to stay abreast of the promotion and other county news.

Following the flood event in February, 2020, local officials documented damages and submitted request for financial support to FEMA. In review of the estimated costs, the Columbia County total cost to repair damages sustained to publicly owned facilities (i.e. levee, roads, wastewater treatment facility, etc.) during the flood event exceeded three million dollars. Note - this estimate is for the entirety of Columbia County, not just the City of Dayton.

On March 27, 2020, Governor Jay Inslee sent request to President Trump for federal aid to help recovery efforts. On April 23, 2020, the City received notice that Washington State has received a major disaster declaration. This declaration has offered public assistance and offers use of the Hazard Mitigation Grant program. Private assistance is still under review. Updated May 18, 2020: Individual Assistance has been approved. More information will come as monies are dispersed. 

• Governor Jay Inslee's request for Major Disaster Declaration 
• Major Disaster Declaration, Washington State

Resources

• FEMA Disaster Declaration Fact Sheet
• WA State Disaster Declaration (DR-4539)

With residents possibly rationing or running out of toilet paper, our Public Works Department would like to remind City residents to be mindful on what you can and can not flush down your toilet.

Do flush the "Three P's"

• Pee
• Poo
• (Toilet) Paper

Do not flush:

• Feminine products
• Paper towels
• Baby wipes or "flushable" wipes
• Disinfecting wipes 
• Kleenex or tissues
• Rags

These items can create system wide blockages and may result in sewage overflowing into streets or backing up into homes.

We ask all City residents to continue to be mindful during the COVID-19, and ongoing. Flushing the unflushables will create unnecessary and highly costly infrastructure damage. Together, we can make a difference and ensure long-term infrastructure success. 

The Department of Planing & Community Development has shared the following press release to notify stakeholders and interested candidates of existing vacancies for the Dayton Planning Commission, Dayton Historic Preservation Commission, and the Affordable Housing Commission.

Click here to see the press release.

Additional Information:

Dayton Planning Commission

Dayton Historic Preservation Commission

Affordable Housing Commission

To submit a letter of interest to request appointment to one of the commissions, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The 2020 Census is coming, with first mailers being sent from the US Census Bureau in early March. The census is critical for federal, state, and local agencies, and the data collected is used to allocate over $800 billion nationally in federal programs and resources.

The City of Dayton is taking a procative approach to assist in data collection for the 2020 census. See the attached outreach materials for more information and feel free to visit with staff at City Hall with questions or concerns. We will do everything we can, within our abilities, to help. If we can't, we will direct you to someone who can. 

Additional Materials

What's at Stake for Washington?

Every town is an important part of the American story.

Fats, oils, and grease, as well as "flushable" wipes, towelettes, and rags are the major cause of blockages of the sewer system which can lead to sanitary sewer overflows. Food and grease should never go down the drain because they build up in the line and can cause serious, expensive, and irreversible damage. Only water should go down the drain. Blockages caused by the improper disposal can cause serious damage and be a threat to public health. 

Here are some simple steps you can take to keep FOG out of the sewer system:

• Recycle cooking grease, oil and food wastes.
• Freeze your grease – pour grease into a jar, let it cool, seal it, freeze it, and throw it into the trash.
• Never dump used cooking oil down the drain.
• Scrape and dry wipe pots, pans, and dishes before washing. Take a paper towel and wipe the pan then discard the towel and food waste into the trash receptacle. You can also use coffee grounds to soak up oils and place them into your trash receptacle.
• Dispose of rags, wipes (both flushable and non-flushable), razor blades, toilet deodorants, dental floss, and other non-biodegradable products into the trash.
• Never use hot water, detergents or degreasers to flush FOG down the drain; this pushes grease into the pipe where it will cool, congeal and clog the sewer.
• Never dump FOG (or anything) on the street, parking lot or into storm drains as it will end up in our creeks.
• Communicate with your friends and neighbors about the problem of grease and other products in your sewer system and how to keep them out. The solution starts right in your home with your actions.

Attachments

Best Managest Practices for FOG