Recent storms in Washington State have exacerbated concerns over flooding, particularly impacting flood-prone areas. Delays in federal funding have further complicated efforts to address these issues.
Federal Flood Grants Delayed
A plan led by Pierce County near Tacoma aims to purchase a mobile home park located in a flood-prone area. The goal is to relocate residents away from this high-risk zone. However, complications involving BRIC (Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities) funding have postponed the project.
Impact of Recent Storms
During the recent storms, floodwaters approached structures in the mobile home park. Amanda Smith, a spokesperson for Pierce County’s planning and public works department, stated that the county is currently assessing the extent of the damage. Despite setbacks, Smith emphasized that the project remains a priority.
Originally expected to be completed by the end of 2027, the timeline for this initiative has now been pushed back due to the ongoing BRIC funding issues.
Challenges Faced by Orting
The city of Orting, located about 30 miles south of Seattle, also faced delays with its BRIC funding, which was intended for constructing a setback levee. Mayor Joshua Penner reported that the existing levee was perilously close to being overtopped by floodwaters during the recent storm events.
- Current levee just inches away from overtopping
- Potential catastrophic damage was narrowly avoided
- Uncertainty remains regarding the new levee’s construction date
Penner expressed grave concerns, stating, “Had it been just a couple percent worse, we would have seen catastrophic damage.” He indicated that the existing levee is likely to fail soon but could not provide a specific timeline for when this might occur. The new levee project still faces challenges related to permitting, design, and construction.
