Smith’s Statement on Interim Measures to Fix Howard Hanson Dam
Washington, Jul 30 – “Today marks an important milestone in our efforts to protect the Green River Valley from flooding. This afternoon, the Army Corps of Engineers laid out the details for interim repairs that will strengthen the Howard Hanson Dam. Yesterday, the President signed into law the Fiscal Year 2010 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill, which provides the Army Corps of Engineers with $44 million to complete these interim measures. These two events are the culmination of many months of hard work by my office, as well as the entire local delegation and stakeholders from across the state, and will protect the Green River Valley from potentially very destructive floods.
“The interim measures will buy us vital time and protect the Green River Valley as we work to put in place a permanent, long-term solution. The livelihoods of tens of thousands of people are at risk if flooding was to occur and the interim measures announced today provide the residents of the Green River Valley the protection and assurance they deserve.
“I worked tirelessly with other members of the local delegation and stakeholders to secure this funding. I applaud everyone involved for their diligence and hard work and I look forward to working with them to ensure a long-term fix is achieved.”