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.”