Considered one of the main priorities in the City of Hoquiam’s Comprehensive Surface Water Management Plan to mitigate flood impacts in the city, construction on the new Ramer Avenue stormwater pump station will begin next week, according to City Administrator Brian Shay.

A $1.3 million grant from the Chehalis Basin Flood Authority will pay for the project, which will increase the capacity of the existing station and also upgrade the pump station building. The station is located at 1104 Ramer Ave.

Quigg Brothers Construction of Aberdeen was awarded the contract. Work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, except holidays. According to Shay, the impacts for area residents could include noise, significant ground vibrations and dust.

The pump station will force stormwater into the Hoquiam River. There will be a tide gate at the end of the line that will activate to prevent rising tides from surging into the drainage system causing it to back up and flood city streets and parks.