Welcome to Skagit County

October 13th, 2004

COMMISSIONERS ASSIGN BROOKINGS, FLUDE AS FLOOD FIGHT COORDINATORS

October 24-30 declared Skagit County Flood Awareness Week

SKAGIT COUNTY – The Skagit County Commissioners unanimously signed a resolution appointing Public Works Administrator Dave Brookings and Steve Flude, Assistant County Engineer, as Flood Fight Coordinators for the coming flood season at their October 12 meeting. They also proclaimed October 24 through 30, 2004 as Flood Awareness Week.

The resolution also 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 Department of Public Works must be clearly understood during a flood disaster event. Last October the Skagit Valley experienced a devastating flood that was declared a national disaster by President George W. Bush. Skagit County experienced more than $14 million of property damage.

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. All other County departments will fulfill their customary disaster obligations during a flood event by communicating and coordinating their activities with the Coordinators.

In preparation for the potential of a flood fight this fall, Skagit County Public Works has scheduled several training sessions for staff members. Sector field reviews and training is also on the schedule. A “Flood Awareness” newspaper insert will delivered to every Skagit County home with information on how to prepare for a flood, before during and after the event occurs.

A breakfast meeting is planned for October 27, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and flood district and sector leaders. On October 29, a sector wrap up meeting is scheduled.

After all events are completed, a work session will be held with the Board of Commissioners to discuss flood issues and the response to Flood Awareness Week.

For more information, contact: Dan Berentson
360-419-3461