The City of Kent will host two public meetings to inform residents about flood safety and efforts to protect people, their property and businesses in the Green River Valley on Saturday, Oct. 3, 9-11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 8, 6-8 p.m., both at ShoWare Center, 625 W. James Street, Kent.

The public is encouraged to attend one of these meetings to learn more about:

• Dam operations, interim repairs and potential impacts to residents and their property.

• Efforts by the City of Kent and King County to respond to possible impacts.

• Resources available to residents, and ways they can help protect themselves and their property against flood risks.

Both meetings will begin with a 30-minute open house, followed by presentations, then close with a 30-minute question and answer session.

Since last winter, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been assessing two depressions on the right abutment of the Howard Hanson Dam which provides flood risk reduction and water storage on the Green River.

The Corps is making interim repairs, including the construction of an interim seepage barrier wall and improving a drainage tunnel; however, the dam will be unable to hold as much water behind it during heavy rains or snowmelt and more water will need to be released than in the past.

While the Corps notes there is no risk for dam failure, an increased risk of flooding is possible due to its diminished storage capacity.

Scheduled presentations include:

• An update on the damage assessment, operations changes and possible river impacts by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

• King County Flood Warning Center operations, enhanced response activities and what residents can do to stay informed

• The current status of emergency coordination plans and resident notification by Kent Emergency Management

• FEMA will provide the facts about flood insurance and resources available to residents and businesses to protect themselves and their property.

Representatives from the cities of Auburn, Renton and Tukwila will also be on hand to answer questions.

More information about the Howard Hanson Dam situation can be found at www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans or by calling 253-856-4440.

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