County Adopts Flood District Plan, Reps. Dan Roach, Stan Flemming Vote No

The Pierce County Council voted 5-2 to approve plans for a county-wide tax district that protects the region from flooding.

"We saw what happened in Lewis County in 2009 when Interstate 5 was underwater for days. As the second-largest county in the state, we have an even greater exposure to damages," said Council Chair Joyce McDonald (District 2). "Everyone in Pierce County would be affected by the closure of I-5 or Highways 167 and 410, because that would halt the flow of goods and people in our region."

Councilmen Dan Roach and Stan Flemming cast the dissenting votes. Roach asked for more public input through an advisory vote.

Funding for the district is expected to come from a levy of no more than 10 cents per $1,000 assessed value, which amounts to $20 a year on a $200,000 home. The money cannot be used for anything other than flood-related actions.

An analysis released in October 2010 concluded the county could face economic losses of more than $725 million, including damages to homes, businesses, wastewater treatment plants, roads and rails. Using authority granted under state law, Ordinance 2011-95s aims to prevent those types of massive losses by funding such needs as levee repairs and improvements, property purchases and more.