KENT, Wash. – April 29, 2009 - A public meeting about flood safety and developments related to the Howard Hanson Dam operations on the Green River will be held Monday, May 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the Kent Campus of Green River Community College, Room 238, 417 Ramsay Way, Kent.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is evaluating a depression on the right abutment of the Howard Hanson Dam which provides flood risk reduction and water storage on the Green River. Until the Corps’ evaluation is complete, the dam will be unable to hold as much water behind it during heavy rains or snowmelt and more water will need to be released than in the past.
While the Corps notes there is no risk for dam failure, an increased risk of flooding is possible due to its diminished storage capacity.
The meeting will include an open house from 6:00-6:30 p.m., followed by presentations from 6:30–7:30 p.m., then close with a question and answer session from 7:30-8:00 p.m.
Scheduled presentations include:
· An update on the damage assessment, operations changes and possible river impacts by Mamie Brouwer, Howard Hanson Dam Right Abutment Integrity Project Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers;
· King County Flood Warning Center operations, enhanced response activities and what residents can do to stay informed by Section Manager, Steve Bleifuhs;
· The current status of emergency coordination plans and resident notification by Dominic Marzano, Division Chief, Kent Emergency Management;
· The facts about flood insurance and resources available to residents and businesses to protect themselves and their property by Jeff Woodward, Regional Insurance Specialist, FEMA.
More information about the Howard Hanson Dam situation can be found at www.kingcounty.gov/floodplans or by calling 253-856-4440.
The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population of nearly 87,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.choosekent.com.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Kent Plans in Place to Respond to H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)
Kent, Wash. – May 1, 2009 – Following a meeting of the City of Kent Leadership and Communication Teams, the City is now moving forward and taking the steps necessary to provide for area residents, businesses, as well as city employees in the event of a wide-spread flu outbreak.
“The health and safety of our employees and the public we serve are the highest priorities for city officials,” said John Hodgson, Kent’s Chief Administrative Officer. To help ensure the continued operation of city functions and to keep the public informed, the following steps have been initiated:
1. The City’s Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan is being reviewed to ensure vital services are maintained.
2. Emergency lines of succession are in place to ensure critical administrative and service positions are filled.
3. The City regularly communicates with Seattle/King County Public Health, the Kent and Federal Way School Districts, and other agencies to keep up-to-date on the latest H1N1 information.
4. Kent Emergency Management is monitoring the H1N1 situation and is prepared to activate its Emergency Communications Center if necessary.
5. The City of Kent web page will be regularly updated with the latest information and links on H1N1.
Captain Kyle Ohashi of Kent Fire has been designated Public Information Officer for matters concerning the H1N1 virus and is the primary contact for the media and public. He can be reached at any time by calling 206-972-4082. Michelle Witham, City Community and Public Affairs Manager, has been assigned as the primary contact for internal communications relating to the H1N1 virus and is the primary contact for city employees.
“The City of Kent is committed to the safety of its residents, visitors, and businesses. Although no confirmed cases of H1N1 have been documented in Washington State, 13 probable cases have been identified,” Hodgson said. Further information on the H1N1 virus, as well as steps on prevention and treatment, can be found at the following:
King County Public Information Call Center (9 am-5 pm) 1-877-903-5464
www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu
www.cdc.gov/swineflu or the CDC 24 hour info line 1-800-232-4636/1-888-232-6348 TTY
www.doh.wa.gov/swineflu
“The health and safety of our employees and the public we serve are the highest priorities for city officials,” said John Hodgson, Kent’s Chief Administrative Officer. To help ensure the continued operation of city functions and to keep the public informed, the following steps have been initiated:
1. The City’s Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan is being reviewed to ensure vital services are maintained.
2. Emergency lines of succession are in place to ensure critical administrative and service positions are filled.
3. The City regularly communicates with Seattle/King County Public Health, the Kent and Federal Way School Districts, and other agencies to keep up-to-date on the latest H1N1 information.
4. Kent Emergency Management is monitoring the H1N1 situation and is prepared to activate its Emergency Communications Center if necessary.
5. The City of Kent web page will be regularly updated with the latest information and links on H1N1.
Captain Kyle Ohashi of Kent Fire has been designated Public Information Officer for matters concerning the H1N1 virus and is the primary contact for the media and public. He can be reached at any time by calling 206-972-4082. Michelle Witham, City Community and Public Affairs Manager, has been assigned as the primary contact for internal communications relating to the H1N1 virus and is the primary contact for city employees.
“The City of Kent is committed to the safety of its residents, visitors, and businesses. Although no confirmed cases of H1N1 have been documented in Washington State, 13 probable cases have been identified,” Hodgson said. Further information on the H1N1 virus, as well as steps on prevention and treatment, can be found at the following:
King County Public Information Call Center (9 am-5 pm) 1-877-903-5464
www.kingcounty.gov/health/swineflu
www.cdc.gov/swineflu or the CDC 24 hour info line 1-800-232-4636/1-888-232-6348 TTY
www.doh.wa.gov/swineflu
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