Smith, Reichert Call for FEMA Exercise in Green River Valley
Urge Preparedness to Mitigate Personal, Economic Impact
Washington - ,
Sep 26, 2009 -
Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09) and Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) joined together to call on FEMA to conduct a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response exercise to take place in the Green River Valley as it faces a high risk of flooding due to damage at the Howard Hanson Dam. The exercise would help to ensure preparation at all levels to address the personal and economic impact of potential flooding and storm damage.
“With the critical situation facing the Green River Valley, a key component is to be prepared as we work for a long-term fix,” said Reichert. “I’m pleased to join with Congressman Adam Smith in this effort, as the threat expands to his congressional district. We must do all we can to protect our citizens and prevent property damage and loss.”
“Our communities continue to face the possibility of significant flooding and we must do everything we can to protect them,” said Congressman Adam Smith. “In the short term, all necessary resources should be focused on shoring up any infrastructure vulnerabilities and ensuring there is a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response plan in place so we can react effectively in the event of a flood. Overall, while state and federal resources are being appropriated to mitigate and avoid flooding damages, individuals should also be taking precautions to protect themselves and their property.”
In the letter to Mr. Fugate, the members state:
As representatives of the two congressional districts with constituents directly impacted by a flood event, we ask that your agency conduct a simulated exercise to mitigate the potential for severe personal and economic loss and prepare all of the local, state, and federal agencies involved in emergency response for any scenario that may arise from a breach of the Dam or the release of excess water. Preparedness is essential for effective response, and your agency has the ability to help ensure the Green River Valley is ready in the event of flooding. FEMA’s assistance in establishing and facilitating effective emergency communications and response could result in lessening the damages of this potential disaster. The threat of flooding from winter storms and the reduced capacity of the Howard Hanson Dam is real, and it is imperative that all levels of government act swiftly and in full coordination to prepare and protect the citizens and the Green River Valley.
Full text of the letter follows:
September 25, 2009
Mr. W. Craig Fugate
Administrator
Federal Emergency Management Agency
500 C Street S.W., Room 700
Washington, D.C. 20472
Dear Administrator Fugate,
We write to urgently request that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conduct a comprehensive emergency preparedness and response exercise in the Green River Valley in Washington State. This exercise could ensure that citizens, local officials, and emergency teams are prepared to address the infrastructure vulnerabilities, personal safety risks, and the economic impact of potential storm damage to the Green River Valley and the Howard Hanson Dam at a time of heightened risk of flooding.
For over 40 years, the Howard Hanson Dam and Green River levees in King County, Washington, have provided effective flood control and protection. Following record rainfall in January 2009, damage to an abutment adjacent to the Dam diminished the maximum water capacity that can be safely held by the Dam. As the Army Corps of Engineers works to assess and repair the damage, cities located within the Green River Valley were notified of a scenario that may require the intentional release of more water than usual during extreme rain events. This has the potential to result in catastrophic flooding that could affect tens of thousands of individuals. King County officials are preparing plans to evacuate up to 5,000 people; some estimates show the potential for lost economic output of $46 million per day and up to $2 billion in property damage.
As representatives of the two congressional districts with constituents directly impacted by a flood event, we ask that your agency conduct a simulated exercise to mitigate the potential for severe personal and economic loss and prepare all of the local, state, and federal agencies involved in emergency response for any scenario that may arise from a breach of the Dam or the release of excess water. Preparedness is essential for effective response, and your agency has the ability to help ensure the Green River Valley is ready in the event of flooding. FEMA’s assistance in establishing and facilitating effective emergency communications and response could result in lessening the damages of this potential disaster. The threat of flooding from winter storms and the reduced capacity of the Howard Hanson Dam is real, and it is imperative that all levels of government act swiftly and in full coordination to prepare and protect the citizens and the Green River Valley.
Our offices stand ready to provide any assistance you might need in orchestrating and carrying out such an exercise. Please let us know if there is any additional information needed as FEMA considers this request. We eagerly await your reply.
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