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Pearson's
flood protection legislation passes House
Legislation that would
allow property owners to act quickly to protect their land and homes in
the event of a flood passed the House Tuesday 87-8.
House Bill 2525 was sponsored by
Rep.
Kirk Pearson.
"This bill is good
compromise and I'm delighted it passed with such strong support. I've
worked the last six to seven years bringing forth legislation to help
property owners protect their land during high water events," said
Pearson, R-Monroe. "I have spent time with families in my district that
have dealt with chronic flooding and I've watched the rivers sweep homes
away. The devastation is something I will never forget, but I am hopeful
that my bill will begin to create the right balance between protecting
our environment and safeguarding our homes."
House Bill 2525 would
increase the ability of landowners to take immediate emergency actions to protect land and structures in the event of a
flood. Landowners under this measure would not be required to obtain a
verbal permit for flood mitigation efforts in those areas
where the governor has declared a state of emergency due to a flood.
The bill was amended to
also include a trigger that would allow the county to give verbal
approval of a hydraulic permit if a chronic danger, or 2 consecutive
years of flooding, is declared. Work to protect the land and structures
could begin immediately upon receiving the permit.
"This is a bill that's a
good first step for rural Washington and other areas around the state.
It protects families and their land along the rivers, while protecting
our environment and natural resources."," said Pearson. "With the
safeguards in place, the bill allows for quick action, but in a
fish-friendly way."
Pearson noted 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," he said.
"While I do see this bill
as a building block for more work next year, I'm pleased that my
legislation will create an emergency plan that has been needed for a
long time. It's been the missing piece when it comes to how and when a
property owner can take action to stop further damage to their land. It
will also protect our rivers from the damage that occurs when large
amounts of soil and structure debris is swept down our waterways during
flood events," said Pearson.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer:
(360) 786-7252
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