March 31,1999
Sid Morrison
Secretary of Transportation
WSDOT
P.O. Box 47316
Olympia, Wa. 98504-7316
Fax (360) 905-2222
Dear Secretary Morrison:
I find it very ironic, Lewis County says if I-5 is raised, the fill will increase flooding in the region. Then they ask WSDOT for money for the PIE flood study. All the while, Lewis County is promoting filling in the flood plain for sake of development. Lewis County does not require or monitor fills, so no-one knows exactly how much fill is going in nor where exactly it is being placed.
I can see your problem, you are getting pressure from the Governor, who in turn is getting pressure from Norm Dicks, ( who is not abiding by Executive order 11988) ( is he a Hosey supporter or benefactor?) (Hosey has described himself in the past as "an extension of Norm Dicks staff,") The money chain goes on, how much money can be wasted before we get down to basics and start at the bottom of this problem? It seems like everyone wants to close their eyes to what can and should be done first.
But stopping filling in the flood plains doesn t move any money. Communities all over the country have realized that the first move they must make is to leave the flood plains to the rivers for flooding. ( But not here) If enough politics gets involved, I guess we can totally overlook common sense.
Keep the money flowing even if it is a waste of tax-payer dollars, seems to be the name of the game.(Excavate the flood plain, while still continuing to fill the flood plain).
Will the added 1.1 million dollars actually do any good for the citizens of Lewis/Thurston and Grays Harbor Counties? If you have flood water up to your neck, does it really matter if it is 6 feet deep or 6ft. 2 inches?
Lewis County is allowing and promoting fills which will redirect floodwaters onto DOT right of ways, endanger fish and wildlife habitats and redirect flood waters onto other citizens properties endangering life, health and safety of the citizens of Washington State.
I urge the DOT, and other state and federal agencies to put pressure on Lewis County to stop allowing filling of our flood plains before giving more funds to them. Start flood prevention work at home FIRST.
Faxed 4-2-99 3:50 PM ( Hard copy with attachments in mail).
Written response Requested!
Dan Smith & Tammy Baker
575 Newaukum Vly. Rd.
Chehalis, Wa. 98532
cc. file
SWAT members
FEMA
ACE
CRP-Fish
DOE
CRC
Att. Article from The Chronicle 3-31-99
DOT letter Aug. 6, 1998
Chronicle Art. 10-16-98
Floodplain Information Sheet
FEMA Reduced Flood Hazards
D
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