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Pearson's
emergency flood bill heads to governor's desk
House Bill 2525 would allow for quick action to
save homes, land
A measure allowing
homeowners to take emergency action to protect their homes and property
passed both chambers of the Legislature and is now awaiting the
governor's signature.
Rep.
Kirk Pearson sponsored
House Bill 2525.
"I have spent time with
families in my district that have dealt with chronic flooding and I've
watched the rivers erode land and I watched as a river swept away a home. The devastation is something I will never forget, but I am hopeful
that my bill will create the right balance between protecting
our environment and safeguarding our homes," said Pearson, R-Monroe.
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 two consecutive
years of flooding, is declared. Work to protect the land and structures
could begin immediately upon receiving the permit.
"This bill is a good
compromise that received overwhelming support," added Pearson. "I know
it will go a long way to ensuring families can take the necessary
actions to save their homes and land from fast-rising flood waters."
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer:
(360) 786-7252
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