Sen. Dan Swecker issues statement on flooding

January 9, 2009

OLYMPIA…Sen. Dan Swecker, R-Rochester, issued this statement today about the recent flooding in the 20^th District: 

"Once again, flood waters have ravaged Lewis County. Thankfully, the flood waters are receding and the damage may not be as bad as predicted. Nevertheless, we must come together to help our neighbors who have suffered losses. 

“This is the second “100-year flood,” in two years - the second time in two years that I-5 has been closed and homes and property have been destroyed. 

“Eastern Lewis County has been hit the hardest and while the news has focused on the closure of I-5, homes have suffered extreme water damage and much cannot be salvaged. 

“This year’s flooding once again drives home the great need for a tri-county flood authority. I’ve  fought for this in the past, and I will sponsor legislation again this year to help create this authority. We need a more comprehensive way to deal with crisis flooding. 

“Along with the flooding, mud slides have cut off access roads, closed our mountain passes, and virtually paralyzed our mobility. 

“The people in Lewis County are my number one priority.  I will dedicate my efforts to helping them recover and finding a permanent solution to prevent another flood crisis.” 

“After the December 2007 flooding, I was in awe at the resiliency of citizens of Lewis County. However, the state cannot continue to expect them to recover time after time. This horrendous flooding has to be addressed.” 

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For more information contact
Ashley Forsyth
 (360) 786-7037