King County Executive Kurt Triplett announced today he is sending three pieces of legislation to the King County Council this week to increase protection of people and businesses, their property and county facilities and services in the event of a flood in the Green River Valley.

He will request approximately $40 million for 2009 flood preparation costs.

Triplett sent a motion to the Council seeking affirmation and extension of the Proclamation of Emergency he signed last Thursday.

The valley is at increased risk of flooding due to damage to the Howard Hanson Dam that is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 34 miles upstream of Auburn.

Later this week, Triplett will request $8.4 million to temporarily increase the height of Green River levees and for other items to increase flood fighting capabilities.

Additionally, Triplett is requesting more than $32 million to plan and provide for continuity of regional services such as Superior Court, elections, animal control, wastewater treatment and public health. The amount also will help protect county facilities such as the Maleng Regional Justice Center, the South Wastewater Treatment Plant in Renton and the Black River Pump Station.

While making the announcement along a section of the Green River levee at Kent’s River Bend Golf Course, Triplett was joined by Gov. Chris Gregoire, Army Corps Seattle District Manager Anthony Wright, King County Flood District Chair Julia Patterson, King County Council Chair Dow Constantine, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke, Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis, Tukwila Mayor Jim Haggerton, Renton Mayor Denis Law and representatives of the state’s congressional delegation.

“Even in tough economic times we need to continue to do everything physically possible to protect the people and property of the valley after the warnings we have received from the Army Corps of Engineers,” Triplett said. “It is the right thing to do even if the worst case scenarios don’t happen. Too much is at stake.

“We are working with our congressional leaders, the Army Corps and FEMA to be reimbursed for this work because of the extraordinary circumstances,” Triplett said. The Army Corps has advised the county that there is a one in three chance of heavy rainfall that would exceed the damaged facility’s reduced capacity during the three to five years it will take for permanent repairs.

“This isn’t about being frightened – we are not trying to scare people. This is about summoning the common sense and courage of Washington,” Gregoire said. “We know there could be trouble, and rather than wait for it, we’re going to meet it with a thoughtful and ready response.”

Triplett thanked the Governor for the state’s help in preparing for worst case scenarios after damage was discovered when water behind the dam rose six feet higher than ever before during record rainfall last January.

In addition to providing help from state agencies, the governor sent a letter to the Seattle District Manager of the USACE, Col. Anthony Wright, asking for federal money for equipment and installation of temporary fixtures that would raise the height of existing levees several feet in places to increase protection during some scenarios being planned for.

The $8.4 million Triplett is requesting would augment or replace the money the governor requested if the request is denied.