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SR 8678

Recognizing efforts for the ongoing flood recovery and mitigation work in Whatcom County.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Sharon Shewmake

Senate Resolution 8678 recognizes Whatcom County flood recovery and mitigation after the 2021 Nooksack flood, thanking partners and noting $34.4M secured and $50.8M pursued.

Adopted.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SR 8678

Summary: Senate Resolution 8678 (SR 8678) – Recognizing flood recovery and mitigation efforts in Whatcom County

Overview

  • Type: Senate Resolution (not a law), ceremonial in nature.
  • Title: Recognizing efforts for the ongoing flood recovery and mitigation work in Whatcom County.
  • Status: Adopted by the Senate on February 20, 2024.
  • Purpose: Publicly acknowledge and express gratitude for the ongoing flood recovery and mitigation efforts in Whatcom County stemming from the November 2021 Nooksack River flooding, and to recognize the collaborative work of numerous organizations, governments, and community members.

Background and Context

  • Event: November 2021 historic flooding of the Nooksack River that devastated parts of Whatcom County and claimed a life.
  • Community response: Local residents, mayors, first responders, farmers, and neighbors organized rescues and support using all available resources.
  • Ongoing efforts: Long-term recovery and resilience-building through coordinated groups and partnerships.

Key Provisions and Statements

The resolution highlights and acknowledges:
- The organizational leaders and groups behind recovery and mitigation:
- Whatcom County River and Flood Division
- Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group (Whatcom LTRG)
- Whatcom Community Foundation
- Sustainable Connections
- Local faith communities and numerous churches
- Local service organizations, humanitarian groups, and private sector partners
- Recovery and resilience activities:
- Debris removal, food distribution, volunteer coordination, and provision of clothing and essential items to those displaced or affected.
- Infrastructure recovery: repairs to flood infrastructure and development of an acquisition and elevation program to relocate vulnerable structures, along with acquiring properties for future flood risk management.
- Funding and investment:
- Secured: $34.4 million in federal funding for flood recovery efforts.
- Pursuing: an additional $50.8 million in federal funding.
- Planning and intergovernmental collaboration:
- The Floodplain Integrated Planning Flow Split Reach Team’s ongoing work to address the Everson flow split, involving a broad coalition that includes Whatcom County, the Nooksack Indian Tribe, the Lummi Nation, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden, Sumas, local farm communities, diking districts, Watershed Improvement Districts, state agencies (Ecology, DNR), federal agencies (NMFS, FEMA, USACE), Trans Mountain Pipeline, the University of Washington Climate Impacts Groups, private consultants, and other partners.
- The Nooksack River Flood Disaster Mitigation Plan Agreement, signed by the Whatcom County Executive and the mayors of Blaine, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden, and Sumas.
- Gratitude and acknowledgment:
- The resolution expresses deep appreciation for the commitment and collaboration of local elected officials, public servants, and community members.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • While not creating new law or funding, the resolution formally recognizes and honors:
    • Local government agencies (County divisions and city mayors)
    • Recovery organizations (Whatcom LTRG, Whatcom Community Foundation)
    • Community organizations, faith groups, nonprofits, volunteers, and businesses
    • Tribal nations (Nooksack Indian Tribe, Lummi Nation)
    • State and federal agencies and partners involved in flood mitigation and planning
  • Impact: Elevates public awareness, reinforces ongoing collaborative efforts, and publicly affirms gratitude for those contributing to recovery and mitigation.

Timeline and Procedural Details

  • Introduction date: February 20, 2024
  • Adopted: February 20, 2024
  • Nature: Ceremonial resolution; serves to recognize and commend efforts rather than authorize funding or enact new policy.

Noteworthy Details

  • The resolution memorializes broad, multi-jurisdictional cooperation and highlights the scale of funding and planning activity directed at making Whatcom County safer and more resilient to future flooding.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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