Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee |
HB 2787
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Addressing Green river emergency flooding preparedness and response.
Sponsors: Representatives Hurst, Roach, Simpson, Miloscia, Orwall, Sullivan, Hasegawa, Hudgins, Upthegrove, White, Chase and Nelson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/26/10
Staff: Yvonne Walker (786-7841).
Background:
The Howard Hanson Dam is located near the headwaters of the Green River in King County. Originally called Eagle Gorge Dam, the Howard Hanson dam helps maintain water storage and reduces the risk of flooding in the Green River Valley and floodplain areas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) which manages the Hanson Dam has discovered structural weaknesses such as accelerated leakage through the right abutment of the dam. As a result of this finding, the USACE has determined the dam is unable to hold as much water in heavy rains during the winter months. This situation creates a possibility of flooding in the areas of Renton, Tukwila, Auburn, and Kent.
Summary of Bill:
A total of $25 million is appropriated from the State Building Construction Account to the Washington Military Department (Military Department) for the 2010-11 biennium. The Military Department must work in cooperation with the Flood Division of the Department of Ecology, the King County Flood Control District, and any other respective governments, on flood hazard mitigation and response projects for the Green River Valley area.
The Military Department is responsible for administering the river flood assistance funds. The Military Department in consultation with the Emergency Management Council and the Washington Emergency Management Association, must establish rules for the administration of the funds. A total of up to $5 million of the total appropriated funds must be used for relocation costs (including by not limited to land acquisition) of public facilities, infrastructure, and citizens and businesses that are displaced by Green River flooding conditions. A maximum of the remaining $20 million must be used for costs directed at flood prevention, including levy repair and strengthening, emergency response, and flood mitigation and recovery. Projects that are funded must include, but is not limited to, projects that will promote public education on disaster preparedness.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 21, 2010.
Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.