Jan. 8, 2009

Hinkle tours flood damage with DOT, will work for emergency funding
'This is the worst flood and landslide damage I've ever seen in Kittitas County,' says Hinkle

While Washington residents and state and local officials continue to deal with the devastation done by the recent rain and snow melt, Rep. Bill Hinkle, R-Cle Elum, toured storm damaged areas in Kittitas County.

"I've been out to State Route 970 and alongside Highway 97, to Lauderdale Junction, up to the pass and all points in-between," Hinkle said.  "I've never seen anything like this.  This is the worst flood and landslide damage I've ever seen in Kittitas County."

Hinkle toured the region with Washington State Department of Transportation officials,  Superintendent Terry Kukes and Maintenance Supervisor Bob Cernick.

"The only thing more amazing than the devastation is the effort being put forth by our DOT crews, county personnel and utility workers," Hinkle said.  "These folks are working at a feverish pace.  They're even bringing in private contractors.  They're going at it around the clock to open the passes and other transportation routes and to keep our citizens safe.  I take my hat off to these guys.  They're doing a great job."

Hinkle said he will be working the phones over the next few days to make sure Kittitas County and other affected areas in the 13th District receive emergency funding for repairs.

"The county and the governor declared a state of emergency, which should open up some emergency funding," Hinkle said.  "But with the overall devastation to the entire state, these dollars are going to be fought over.  I'll continue to make a strong case for our needs in Kittitas County.  The bottom line for us is simple: we have to have emergency funding to fix critical sections of roadways.  Our transportation corridors are vital to our regional and state economy."

Hinkle also said the continued closure of the I-90 pass and the extensive flood and landslide damage serves as further evidence of the need to quickly finish the I-90 project.

# # #

For more information, contact: Brendon Wold, Public Information Officer: (360) 786-7698