September 2009
Dear Friend,
 |
Can you believe it’s fall already? Soon we’ll be busy raking leaves, carving pumpkins, dusting off our winter coats, and baking seasonal goodies.
I want to encourage you to make some important upcoming events in King County part of your autumn schedule, which I’ve listed below. I’ve also included a video and information on the potential for flooding in South King County, which is a must for people who live and work in the Green River Valley.
Sincerely,
Julia
Patterson
King County Councilmember - District 5
Are you Ready?
As you have most likely heard, the Green River Valley is in real danger of flooding this year.
After record high rain last winter, it was discovered that water is seeping more rapidly through an earthen bank next to the Howard Hanson Dam, which controls the flow of the Green River. Until the US Army Corps of Engineers can make repairs, they will limit the amount of water the dam will store. The amount of water stored behind the dam must be limited in order to ensure the entire structure does not fail.
 |
On September 23, I had the opportunity to visit the Howard Hanson Dam and see the good work the US Army Corps of Engineers is doing to repair the abutment. |
The restricted storage means if heavy and prolonged rain occurs, flooding could happen throughout the valley. Residents, businesses and farms below the Howard Hanson Dam that don’t typically see flooding –including parts of Kent, Tukwila, Renton, and Auburn--could be inundated by several feet of water.
King County is working in cooperation with cities, the Army Corps, our state and federal partners, and private businesses to prepare the valley for flooding. However, it is also important you take the necessary steps to prepare yourself and your families for possible flooding. If you live or work in the Green River Valley, I urge you to prepare now.
To learn how to prepare, visit www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans and watch the video above where Governor Gregoire and I talk about steps you can take to get ready.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Town Hall on Public Transit
When: Wednesday, September 30th. The public is invited to meet with Councilmembers at an informal reception starting at 6:00 p.m. The Town Hall will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club, 4520 Martin Luther King Jr. Way South, Seattle.
The next Town Hall Meeting of the Metropolitan King County Council will focus on the impact light rail will have on the regional transit system, and the fiscal challenges facing Metro Transit, which is facing a deficit of $213 million for 2010-2011.
Special Public Hearing on the King County Budget
When: Tuesday, October 13th at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center, Courtroom 3F
The King County Council will take public testimony on the 2010 budget in throughout the month of October. Please join me in Kent for this special meeting.
Public Meetings on Flood Preparedness
When: Ongoing
Where: Throughout the Green River Valley
If you live or work in the Green River Valley, please consider attending an upcoming public meeting on flood preparation. More information here.
Countywide Community Forums
When: Ongoing
Where: Throughout King County!
Countywide Community Forums (CCF) is a King County civic engagement program overseen by the King County Auditor. The program is independently funded, run by volunteers, and is designed to bring the public forum right to your kitchen table, neighborhood, or workplace.
Round 4 of the Countywide Community Forums begins in mid-September on the topic of Public Safety: Law and Justice. Issues and topics for Round 4 include impact and cost of jail and incarceration, regional consolidation vs. local control of law and justice services, prevention programs, drug laws, and much more.
Visit here for more information.
About my ENewsletter
Click here to remove yourself from my enewsletter list.
Click here to subscribe to my enewsletter.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me, julia.patterson@kingcounty.gov.
To review my recent e-newsletters, click here.