Skagit River Floodplain Yields Parkland
Release Date: September 29, 1999
Release Number: R10-99-58
Mount Vernon, Wash. -- The City of Mount Vernon will unveil new signage and additional parkland on Tuesday, October 5, 1999 at 11:30 a.m. at Edgewater Park, 600 Behrens-Millett Road, Mount Vernon. Made possible by over $2.3 million in Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funds from the 1995/1996 Presidential flood disasters, the project converts 34 properties from residential and business use to open space parkland. According to Mount Vernon Mayor Skye K. Richendrfer, the project is the result of a winning partnership between the City, FEMA, and Washington State departments of Emergency Management, Community Trade & Economic Development, and Natural Resources.
"We've acquired 34 flood-prone properties, and demolished the structures to create open space use in perpetuity," said Mayor Richendrfer. "Next week's unveiling represents more than an expansion of Edgewater Park. It represents homes that will never be flooded again, businesses out of harm's way, and provides our citizens with an additional weapon in our flood-reduction arsenal. This project represents the benefits the public receives when different agencies and levels of government work together toward a common goal."
The Floodway Acquisition Project combines two HMGP projects, with FEMA providing 75 percent, or $1.7 million. Washington State and local sources will share the remainder of the costs.
The ceremony begins with a hot dog barbecue at Edgewater Park, 600 Behrens-Millett Road in Mount Vernon at 11:50 a.m. The official ceremony will occur at 1:00 p.m. For more information, call Skye K. Richendrfer, (360) 336-6211.
Last Modified: Monday, 12-Jan-2004 11:00:10