Money is coming for dams

Congressman Dave Reichert recently lauded the passage of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which will provide more than $7.5 million in annual support for local infrastructure in Washington state for 2010, including work at Mud Mountain Dam.

Reichert secured funding for two key flood control projects at the Mud Mountain Dam on the White River. This legislation also awards the annual funding for the Army Corps of Engineers, which is charged with maintenance, improvement and repair of the Howard Hanson Dam on the Green River.

“These projects both protect our natural resources and promote the use of clean energy,” Reichert said. “I’m also pleased to support the Army Corps, as a critical part of their mission in our district is to implement near-term repairs to the Howard Hanson Dam, while also conducting analysis and executing the long-term fix. This funding is critical to public safety and the protection of our citizens and their property.”

Mud Mountain Dam is expected to receive $400,000 for construction and is earmarked to receive another $3 million for operations and maintenance. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood control dam on the White River will control floods in the lower White and Puyallup River valleys. The new dam will replace the 100-year old structure and enable the Corps to meet ongoing fish-passage needs for Mud Mountain Dam.

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