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Ericksen bill would minimize
flood risk
Rep. Doug Ericksen
is
hoping rising waters throughout western Washington will raise the level
of support for a bill he introduced in the opening week of session to
mitigate flood risk. House Bill 1118 would grant local government
greater authority to remove gravel deposits from river channels to help
alleviate potential flood damage.
“Current regulations tie the hands of local officials, who are best
equipped to deal with these issues in a quick and responsible manner,”
said Ericksen, R-Ferndale. “Right now everything has to be cleared by
state bureaucrats, who simply aren’t in a position to be responsive to
what’s happening on the ground in our communities.”
Ericksen’s bill would give counties, diking districts or flood control
districts authority to remove gravel that is obstructing waterways.
Local authorities would only need to consult with the Department of Fish
and Wildlife to minimize the impact to fish.
“As we we’ve seen over the past week, flooding remains a chronic problem
for us,” Ericksen said. “Our communities shouldn’t feel helpless against
streams that overflow their banks. This will help local communities take
steps to minimize property damage.”
HB 1118 has been referred
to the House Natural Resources, Parks and Ecology Committee.
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For more information, contact:
John
Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758
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