Welcome to Skagit County

October 7th, 2005

FLOOD AWARENESS WEEK

Flood Awareness Week is October 16-22 in Skagit County
Brookings, Flude appointed flood fight coordinators

SKAGIT COUNTY - The Skagit County Commissioners signed a resolution this week appointing Public Works Administrator Dave Brookings and Assistant County Engineer Steve Flude as Flood Fight Coordinators for the coming flood season. They also have proclaimed October 16-22 as Flood Awareness Week in Skagit County.

The proclamation stated that flooding is historically the most prevalent type of natural disaster to affect Skagit County and the roles and responsibilities of the Skagit County Public Works Department must be clearly understood during a flood disaster event. In October 2003, the Skagit Valley experienced a devastating flood that was declared a national disaster by President George W. Bush. Skagit County experienced more than $17 million of damage. Fortunately there was no loss of human life.

The Commissioners defined that role during a flood event as to maintain County transportation facilities, roads and bridges, and to provide materials and equipment to Flood Fight Operations to maintain the levee systems during an event.

The role of the Department’s Flood Fight Coordinators is to coordinate the use of the Department’s resources for a flood fight, as well as work in cooperation with other federal, state, and local entities to reduce flood damages as much as possible.

In preparation for the potential of a flood fight this fall, Skagit County Public Works has scheduled several training sessions for staff members.

For further information, contact: Dan Berentson
Communications Director
360-419-3461