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By now, most people in the area are familiar with the GREAT news that the risk of flooding from the Howard Hanson Dam has been diminishing. As a reminder, the abutment of the dam was leaking; I described it in detail in the photo-journal entry here .
The Renton Reporter covers the most recent development in this story here . Thanks to hard work from many, many people, Senator Murray was recently able to secure 44 million dollars to install a temporary fix to the dam to prevent flooding in the near term. Meanwhile, the Army Corps of Engineers is working on designing a permanent fix that will cost about half a billion dollars.
These developments are enormous for the security of our region, as a flood in this area could have done many billions in damage and immense human misery.
Our own Mayor Denis Law represented us expertly to help obtain this money. He was back in Washington DC a couple weeks ago meeting with numerous federal agencies, elected representatives, and White House staff to help obtain money for the interim fix. Public officials from all levels in our region were there with him, and their solidarity and good planning helped us get this funding and avoid catastrophe.
Senator Murray speaks at a recent news conference announcing the procurement of 44 million dollars for the interim repair of Howard Hanson Dam. (Renton’s Mayor Law is standing on her right side.)
I am still glad that I live on a hill. Plus it doesn’t hurt that I know where the worse flooding was in the past.
Speaking from the flatlands, I’m glad that Renton has hills too – filled with relatively unarmed people.
Geez, which hills are you talking about! 🙂
Ben, you and your family can stay in our spacious garage on the hill if a flood or lahar strikes, but no Tea Parties will be allowed.
Yay! Good job everyone involved! I’ve been hearing from people well outside Renton that they are relieved as well – it would have affected a lot of people!