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Pearson's
flood bills debated
Rep. Kirk Pearson's bills would protect families,
environment during floods
Rep. Kirk Pearson's
legislation, House Bill 2525, allowing families to act quickly to
protect their land and homes in the event of a flood was the topic of
a House Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee hearing this week.
"We live in what I
consider one of the most beautiful parts of Washington. Unfortunately,
with such scenic rivers comes major flooding events," Pearson, R-Monroe,
said. "When a flood happens, time is critical. These flood events happen
so fast and large landowners need the tools to protect the land that's
been breached. If landowners don't move quickly, they can lose large
portions of their property in just a few short hours."
House Bill 2525 would
allow for landowners to take immediate emergency actions to protect land and structures in the event of a
flood. Landowners would not be required to obtain a permit in those areas
where the governor has declared a state of emergency.
Pearson also notes that
erosion factors into how quickly landowners must act to save their farms
and homes.
"With the types of soils
we have in Washington, once an area of land is eaten away the rest of the
land can be washed away in just a few short hours," said Pearson.
The concern about fish
habitat when discussing flood mitigation, said Pearson, doesn't make
sense. He noted that during the time of the year when major flood events
occur, fish aren't spawning.
"By the time the flood
waters rise, fish habitat is already in jeopardy or ruined," said
Pearson. "I'm trying to find a compromise in my legislation that
protects families and their land along the rivers, while protecting our
environment and natural resources."
The Department of Fish and
Wildlife received appropriations in last year's Capital Budget to
fortify some of their land, noted Pearson.
"It's hard to swallow that
the state agency receives the funds and go-ahead to protect their land,
but a farmer trying to protect his land is stuck waiting on agency
action and permits. My bill will start to correct this and allow for
better and faster response to flood events to protect families, farms
and homes," Pearson said.
Pearson also co-sponsored
House Bills 2677 and 2628. House Bill 2677 would allow counties or local
diking and flood control districts to remove gravel obstructions in
river channels as part of flood-prevention preparation. House Bill 2628 would
require the
Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify acceptable bank-stabilization projects for landowners, along with engineering and design
criteria.
"I support all of these
bills because they take action where it's needed -- from the planning
stage to the emergency action stage -- and that's what's been missing in
the current process," Pearson said.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer:
(360) 786-7252
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