Congressman Dave Reichert

Washington, DC, Sep 14, 2009 -

Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today released the following statement in response to Governor Christine Gregoire’s request to the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the flooding threat from the Howard Hanson Dam:

“With the threat posed by reduced capacity at the Howard Hanson Dam, our state and federal officials must come together to advance comprehensive, well-coordinated, preparedness and mitigation efforts. I’m encouraged that the Governor is taking this important step to better prepare the area around the Green River and to mitigate the damage that could result from the next heavy storms.  But more must be done to safeguard Valley residents and businesses from the flooding threat, beginning with the Army Corps of Engineers working at full tilt to fix the overarching structural problems with the dam.  As community leaders, it is our duty to ensure strong coordination, communication, and responsiveness at all levels of government.”

Today, state, local and regional leaders hosted a flood awareness kickoff media event about the potential for flooding in the Green River Valley this fall. The leaders came together to raise the alert about the need to prepare now for higher risk of flooding this fall and winter due to damage on an earthen bank next to the Howard Hanson Dam in Southeast King County.

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