Gov. Gregoire�s statement on Howard Hanson Dam repairs

For Immediate Release: November 5, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the repairs made to the Howard Hanson Dam and other flood preparations:

�I want to thank the Corps of Engineers and all of the state, federal, county, city and private non-profit agencies that have been working so tirelessly to prepare for flooding in the Green River valley.

�The Corps� assessment of the interim improvements to the Howard Hanson Dam abutment and to the Green River levy system is welcome news. These interim measures have reduced the risk of catastrophic-level flooding but they have not eliminated the risk of lower-level flooding or the consequences of flooding if it occurs.

�In short, these interim improvements have bought us time to become better prepared at all levels � as individuals, as communities and as a broader geographic region. We must plan for the worst and hope for the best. I encourage individual property owners to take precautions now to protect their homes and businesses from flood waters and I strongly encourage all affected people to buy flood insurance.

�Even with today�s welcome news, the state is redoubling our efforts to assure adequate alert and warning, emergency shelter and evacuation systems are in place for this flood season. In addition I am working with our congressional delegation to obtain funding for longer term solutions.

�I am also working hand-in-hand with our congressional delegation to assure the Corps of Engineers has the funds necessary for permanent repairs to the Howard Hanson Dam. That needs to be our primary objective � permanent repair and enhancement of the Howard Hanson Dam as quickly as humanly possible.�