Key Takeaways
- The battle over BRIC funding has delayed several flood protection projects in Washington state, including a plan to buy a flood-prone mobile home park and relocate residents.
- The city of Orting’s BRIC funding for the construction of a setback levee has been canceled, leaving the existing levee vulnerable to failure.
- The delayed projects pose a significant risk to residents and properties in high-risk areas, with potential for catastrophic damage from flooding.
- The funding issues have pushed back completion dates for the projects, with the mobile home park relocation likely not finishing by the end of 2027 as planned.
Introduction to BRIC Funding Issues
The recent storms in Washington state have highlighted the importance of flood protection projects, but the battle over BRIC funding has delayed several critical initiatives. One such project is a plan led by Pierce County, near Tacoma, to buy a flood-prone mobile home park and relocate residents out of the high-risk area. The project was initially scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027, but the funding issues have pushed back the timeline. According to Amanda Smith, a spokesperson for the county’s planning and public works department, the project remains a priority, but the delay is likely to impact the completion date.
Impact on Pierce County Mobile Home Park
The mobile home park in question has already experienced flooding during the recent storms, with floodwaters reaching some structures. The county is still assessing the extent of the damage, but it is clear that the delay in funding has increased the risk to residents and properties in the area. The project aimed to relocate residents to a safer area, but the delay has put this plan on hold. The county’s planning and public works department is working to reassess the project timeline, but it is unclear when the relocation will take place. The delay has significant implications for the residents of the mobile home park, who are still living in a high-risk area and are vulnerable to future flooding.
Orting’s Levee Construction Project
The city of Orting, about 30 miles south of Seattle, has also been impacted by the BRIC funding issues. The city’s plan to construct a setback levee has been put on hold due to the cancellation of its BRIC funding. The existing levee was nearly overtopped by floodwaters earlier this month, with only an inch or two to spare. According to Orting’s mayor, Joshua Penner, the existing levee is vulnerable to failure, and it is only a matter of time before it fails. The city is working to secure additional funding and permits to move forward with the construction of the new levee, but the process is expected to take time. The delay has significant implications for the city, with the potential for catastrophic damage from flooding if the existing levee fails.
Consequences of Delayed Projects
The delayed projects in Pierce County and Orting pose a significant risk to residents and properties in high-risk areas. The potential for catastrophic damage from flooding is high, and the delay in funding has increased this risk. The cities and counties affected are working to secure additional funding and move forward with the projects, but the process is expected to take time. In the meantime, residents and properties remain vulnerable to flooding, and the consequences of inaction could be severe. The BRIC funding issues have highlighted the need for timely and effective funding for flood protection projects, and it is essential that these projects are prioritized to mitigate the risk of flooding in high-risk areas.
Conclusion and Next Steps
In conclusion, the battle over BRIC funding has delayed several critical flood protection projects in Washington state, including the relocation of a flood-prone mobile home park and the construction of a setback levee in Orting. The delayed projects pose a significant risk to residents and properties in high-risk areas, and it is essential that these projects are prioritized to mitigate the risk of flooding. The cities and counties affected are working to secure additional funding and move forward with the projects, but the process is expected to take time. It is crucial that the necessary funding is secured, and the projects are completed as soon as possible to protect residents and properties from the risk of flooding. The consequences of inaction could be severe, and it is essential that the necessary steps are taken to mitigate this risk.
