The Blog

Paula Hammond, Secretary of Transportation Paula Hammond, Secretary of Transportation

02/24/09

I often tell the WSDOT employees that they are our agency�s greatest resource. This was very clear during the most recent winter storms. We truly saw it all in the space of a month!

Beginning Dec. 12, we experienced high winds, freezing temperatures, tremendous snowfall and finally, torrential rain. We had dangerous avalanche conditions followed by flooding, mudslides and washed out roads.

On Feb 20, we took a moment to enjoy the Washington State Senate�s recognition of those of us on the front lines of weather response and highway damage.

It was a special day of honor for the men and women who spent many, many hours out in that torrential rain and snow, coordinated the many activities in the WSDOT Emergency Operations Centers, kept the public, freight movers and media informed with up to date information, and maintained our Web site with the best information.

I must also mention the efforts of many others who had to keep the ball rolling on everything else we do at WSDOT. When we have this kind of weather, damage and road closures, WSDOT employees respond time and again with dedication, good humor and the skills needed to provide the best possible road conditions under very trying circumstances. And to top it off, WSDOT crews worked safely during these events, with no significant injuries.

We don�t know what the next emergency will be. But I know we�ll be ready. WSDOT features a skilled, hard working, and ever-ready workforce. I am extremely proud of each one of them.