Constantine thanks Sen. Murray for securing $44 million for critical repairs to Howard Hanson Dam

Funding will allow Army Corps of Engineers to move forward with interim fix and reduce Green River Valley flood risk

King County Executive Dow Constantine today thanked U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, for her efforts in securing $44 million in emergency funding today for interim repairs to the Howard Hanson Dam. At Senator Murray's invitation, Executive Constantine joined regional and state leaders in Washington, D.C., last week to impress upon federal officials the critical need for immediate dam repairs.

"Funding to help protect the citizens and property in the Green River Valley has been an urgent priority for our region and the state, so I want to express King County's deep gratitude to Sen. Patty Murray for her leadership in ensuring that $44 million is included for this project in the Fiscal Year 2010 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Bill," said Executive Constantine.

"We have been working diligently at all levels of government to protect Green River communities because a flood event would be devastating for King County and the State of Washington, and damaging to the nation's economy. I also want to thank Governor Gregoire, our Green River Valley mayors, and our entire Washington Congressional delegation for their combined efforts.

"It is clear federal officials appreciate how the people, businesses and the region's economy are living with a grave flood threat - a threat that can be significantly reduced with these interim repairs."

The Corps manages the dam and has been working to repair damage that occurred to an abutment after major storms brought record high water in January 2009. The damage prevents the flood control dam from operating at full capacity during high water.

In March, the Corps proposed interim grout work, at a cost of $44 million, that would significantly reduce the flood risk to near pre-damage levels. Funding for a permanent fix, which the Corps estimates is years away, also must still be secured.