04.23.13

Members of Washington Delegation Call for Continued Support of Puyallup River Communities

Puyallup Patch - Staff

Members of the Washington State Congressional Delegation sent a bipartisan letter this week requesting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continue its commitment to the Puyallup River General Investigations Study. The study is aimed at determining flood control measures that can be taken to help protect the residents and livelihoods of the communities located near and on the Puyallup River.

The letter, sent April 15, was signed by the four U.S. House members who represent Pierce County - Denny Heck, Derek Kilmer, Dave Reichert, and Adam Smith – and by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell.

“The need for flood control improvements along the Puyallup River remains an issue of regional significance throughout Western Washington,” Cantwell, Heck, Kilmer, Reichert and Smith wrote in the letter. “Homes, businesses, regional transportation systems, and the Port of Tacoma could be in danger during serious flooding event.

“The economic and national security impacts from a prolonged closure of Interstate 5 and/or State Route 167 would be staggering. Adequate measures must be taken to ensure the safety and protection of people and property up and down this important flood plain. While we understand the difficulties of our fiscal environment, we are asking the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to continue to support funding for this critical project,” the letter continued.

The members are specifically asking the Army Corps to continue the General Investigation flood control study through 2013 and beyond.

The Puyallup River General Investigations Study was started in 2007 in response to catastrophic flooding along the Puyallup River in 2006. In 2012 its functions were assigned to the newly-created Pierce County Flood Control Zone District.