County panel to discuss contingency plans in wake of potential flooding
August 25, 2009 · 4:49 PM
The Metropolitan King County Council’s Committee of the Whole will hold a briefing on plans for the county’s response to the threat of major flooding in the Green River Valley.
The briefing will be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Council chambers, 10th floor, King County Courthouse, Third and James streets.
The flood threat might require the possible relocation of county facilities in the valley, including the Elections Office, the Animal Care and Control facility, Aukeen District Court and public health clinics, and the temporary relocation of inmates from the Maleng Regional Justice Center.
Councilmembers will hear from:
• Pam Bissonnette, assistant King County executive
• Carolyn Duncan, executive’s communications director
• Mark Wesolowski, emergency planning manager, Puget Sound Energy
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers discovered sinkholes and rapid seepage of water from the abutment of the earthen Howard Hanson Dam after last January’s record rain. A temporary fix to control seepage is under way, but dam storage capacity will be limited until the repair is tested next spring. A long-term fix could take up to five years to develop and construct.
If a storm hits this winter that carries the same amount of rain that fell last January, areas along the Green River are likely to see major flooding for the first time in 50 years. King County, the cities in the Green River Valley, the Red Cross and others are conducting a public information campaign and working with residents and businesses to prepare for the consequences of this increased risk of flooding.
The Committee of the Whole considers legislation and policy issues of interest to the entire Council and is the only standing committee on which all nine members serve.
Read more about this issue at www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans.
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