Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, issued the following statement today regarding efforts to protect the Green River Valley from catastrophic flooding.

“We’re in a race to prevent lives from being lost and the Valley’s economic core from being wiped out. A good defense is the best offense. Everyone living and working in vulnerable areas should develop a plan and purchase flood insurance.

This is a potentially catastrophic problem that requires ongoing local, state and federal action and community cooperation.

The 2009-2011 capital budget sets aside $10 million in the capital budget for critically needed repairs to the most vulnerable segment of the levee system─ the Horseshoe Bend Levee. Even if the levees don’t fail during a heavy rain event, overtopping could cause flooding. We have to be prepared for the worst.

A one-day shutdown of commercial activity in the county's flood plains would mean an economic loss of tens of millions of dollars. We will do everything we can at the state level to make sure that doesn’t happen.

This problem isn’t going to go away any time soon. The key is preparation. If you live or have a business near the Green River please purchase flood insurance. You can calculate the cost by going to www.floodsmart.gov.”