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April 25th, 2006

PROGRESS MADE ON ADDITIONAL FLOOD STORAGE ON BAKER RIVER
Larsen takes lead for Congressional authorization

SKAGIT COUNTY - Skagit County Commissioners Ted Anderson, Ken Dahlstedt and Don Munks met with Congressman Rick Larsen today in a work session in Everett to discuss additional dam storage for flood control on the Baker River. "It looks like we're making significant progress toward obtaining additional flood storage in the Baker system," said Munks.
Also attending the meeting were representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Skagit County Dike Districts 1 and 12, Skagit County Public Works and Puget Sound Energy.
"We're getting closer to getting Congressional authorization to operate Lower Baker Dam for flood control during large flood events," said Anderson.
Congressman Rick Larsen agreed to introduce legislation and circulate a draft to the meeting participants providing for Congressional authorization for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to operate Lower Baker Dam. "This agreement is a good solution to a difficult problem," said Larsen. "After several years of negotiation, this agreement reflects the willingness of everyone involved to compromise for the greater good of the people and property in Skagit Valley."
"I was very pleased with the cooperative efforts of all the parties that came together," said Dahlstedt. "Congressman Larsen showed great leadership in bringing us together. It's great to see Skagit County people working with PSE and the Corps for a responsible solution."

For further information, contact Dan Berentson at 360-419-3461.