News Release
| Release Number: | 05-122 |
| Dated: | 9/1/2005 |
| Contact: | Heidi Y. Helwig, 503-808-4510 |
Portland, Ore.—The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, is offering interviews with employees well-versed in the Corps’ recovery efforts, as well as the routine operations and maintenance that help reduce the impact of natural disasters locally.
Employees can speak to the Corps’ roles of flood damage reduction, dam safety and protection provided by dikes and levees, as well as the congressional funding that makes the protection possible. One employee is a New Orleans native, providing a tangible link between the Pacific Northwest and the storm-ravaged Deep South.
Reporters wishing to conduct interviews should call Heidi Helwig with the Corps’ Public Affairs Office at (503) 808-4510.
The Department of Defense has designated the Corps of Engineers as the primary agency for planning, preparedness and response under the Emergency Support Function for Public Works and Engineering.
Seven Portland District employees have deployed to support recovery efforts and more are readying to deploy.
Editor’s note: In order to facilitate scheduling, please call before 4 p.m. today (Thursday) to set up an interview.