Hoquiam secures $35M for flood protection project
• The city of Hoquiam, Washington, has been awarded nearly $35 million in funding from FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program to construct a 4.7-mile flood protection system. This project, which includes levees, floodwalls, raised roadways, and upgraded pump stations, aims to protect over 5,000 properties and thousands of residents from recurring floods. The funding follows a legal victory by Washington's Attorney General's Office, which successfully challenged FEMA's earlier decision to terminate the BRIC program. The project is part of a broader regional effort to mitigate flood risks in Hoquiam and neighboring Aberdeen, areas that have experienced 22 federally declared disasters since
• Additional state grants of $5.8 million will also support the North Shore Levee West project.
Impact & Risks
The new flood protection system is expected to significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic flooding in Hoquiam and Aberdeen, safeguarding homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Without these measures, residents face ongoing financial burdens, including mandatory flood insurance costs. The project also aims to enhance economic opportunities by reducing flood-related disruptions. However, delays in construction or environmental review processes could prolong the community's vulnerability to natural disasters.
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