Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) announced today that he secured $200,000 in federal funding for the Skagit River Flood Control General Investigation (GI) in the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill (H.R. 5427) for Fiscal Year 2007.  The bill is now headed to the Senate for approval. 

“The Skagit River is vital to the communities of Skagit County.  As the third largest river system on the West Coast, the river gives our county fertile farmland, but it also leaves us vulnerable to dangerous and destructive flooding,” Larsen said.

“Over the years, repeated Skagit River floods have negatively impacted the lives and livelihoods of the people of the Skagit Valley.  These floods have cost the federal government over tens of millions of dollars in recovery aid and emergency management.” said Larsen.

“The purpose of the Skagit River Flood Control Study is to pinpoint Skagit River flood problems, identify opportunities that exist to relieve flooding and reduce flood damage, and to develop a flood damage reduction plan that fits within the capabilities of the County and federal law,” Larsen said.

Larsen is also preparing to introduce Skagit River Flood Control legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.  This legislation would transfer authority of Upper and Lower Baker Dams on the Baker River to the Army Corps of Engineers in the case of a flood event.  This precaution would allow the Corps of Engineers to step in and manage the two dams, lessening the chance of damage to property and individuals.  The funds for the Skagit River Flood Control Study complement this legislation.

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