Auburn to hold community meetings for flood-prone residents, businesses

City officials are holding three public meetings for residents and business owners who might be endangered by future flooding from the Green River.

Business owners and representatives are invited to attend a 2 p.m. meeting Friday at Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive.

In addition, residents living in the flood-prone areas are invited to attend one of two scheduled public meetings at Cascade Middle School – at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The school is located at 1015 24th St. NE.

The meetings will address concerns about potential flooding in wake of ongoing problems at Howard Hansom Dam.

City staff began the public notification process for those areas considered to be at highest risk of flooding. Volunteers from the City of Auburn Emergency Management Division and the City of Auburn Police Department went door-to-door last weekend to deliver public meeting notices for residents and business owners.

The following information was distributed:

• The situation at Howard Hanson dam creates an increased flood risk to portions of Auburn.

• Those portions of Auburn considered to be at the highest risk include the area bordered on the west by West Valley Highway, on the south by 22nd Street NE, on the east by Green River Road, and on the north by the City Limits. Also included are all areas immediately adjacent to the Green River, throughout the City Limits.

• The Army Corps assures there is no risk of dam failure.

• There is no immediate risk of flooding.

• Renters, homeowners and business owners are advised to review their insurance policies for flood, water, landslide, and sinkhole coverage.

• Information on flood insurance can be obtained by contacting your insurance agent or by visiting www.floodsmart.gov.

Further questions can be directed to the City of Auburn Emergency Management Division at 253-876-1925. Information can also be found on the city’s Web site at www.auburnwa.gov/disaster.