(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty released the following statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will operate Seattle’s Howard Hanson Dam at full flood storage capacity this flood season as risk reduction measures are near completion.
“This is such great news for local families and business owners who have had to worry about the increased risk of flooding in their communities. Maintaining the strength and effectiveness of the Howard Hanson Dam is vital to Green River Valley families and the local economy. And I was proud to fight hard to make sure the Army Corps had the resources it needed to protect this region in time for the upcoming flood season.”
Since Howard Hanson Dam sustained damages during storms in January of 2009 that weakened its structure, Senator Murray has spearheaded Congressional efforts to provide support for protective measures. In March 2010, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers identified a set of interim repairs costing $44 million that would further increase protection against a major flood event. Senator Murray, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced in May 2010 that the funding had been secured in the Fiscal Year 2010 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill.
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