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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-09 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 31 No. 4J�� LA {�Vqs 0 -J Q • THE HAZELNUT A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities VOLUME 31, NUMBER 4 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010 Rainbow residents host a "Thank You" fiesta In 2009 the City of Tukwila found 40 families living in un- safe conditions at Rainbow Trailer Haven. The mobile home park, home to 40 families, had hazardous and illegal electrical connections and wiring, unus- able fire lanes, illegal and sub- standard construction, com- bustible material storage, and other code violations. Working with the homeown- ers, property owner, Habitat for Humanity and El Centro de la Raza, the City of Tukwila overcame language and cul- tural barriers, fear of government, economic hardship, and overlapping jurisdictional authorities to save 39 homes, cre- ating a park that is safe and debris -free for the families who live there. On August 3, 2010 the homeowners held a huge "Thank You Fiesta" for the City of Tukwila, Habitat for Humanity, El Cento de la Raza, and all the volunteers who helped restore the park to a safe liv- ing environment. The park was decorated with balloons, streamers, and banners thank- ing everyone. Speeches and lots of warm smiles and hugs were followed by a DJ provid- ing musical entertainment... plus a long line of tables serv- ing amazing food. Among those in attendance were Mayor Jim Haggerton, Po- lice Chief David Haines, Fire Marshall Don Tomaso, City Council members Joe Duffle and De'Sean Quinn, and other City officials who stopped by to enjoy the fiesta. It's your City — be involved! The City of Tukwila is proud of the important services it provides to our residents and businesses. Good roads, public safety, a clean environment, quality parks and recreational programs are just some of the services that play a major role in determining the quality of life in our community. In recent issues of The Hazelnut, we have shared with you the financial challenges the City is facing, and the likely impact this will have on all the services we provide. Decisions regarding the City's budget for 2011 and 2012 will be made in the coming weeks, and we need your help. Put simply, we cannot afford to con- tinue providing services at the same level we have in the past. The City has already taken some important steps to increase revenue and has identified a broad range of cost-cutting measures that will help us cope with the unprec- edented economic situation we are in. These measures have helped, but they are not enough. Over the next several weeks the City staff will pres- ent, and the City Council will consider significant additional reductions in the entire range of services we provide. These reductions will be reflected in our "Preliminary Budget," which will be available in early October. The City Council "Committee of the Whole" will be holding a Public Meeting on October 11 at 7:00 PM at Tukwila City Hall to learn how you feel about these potential reductions. The Coun- cil and I are eager to hear your sugges- tions for how we should prioritize city services and service reductions. Additional information and updates can be accessed by clicking on the "Budget Update" button at the City's website, www.ci.tukwila.wa.us. Welcome to the "Tukwila Reporter" A new way to stay involved is by read- ing the Tukwila Reporter, a new publi- cation that will be distributed monthly at no cost throughout the community. The Reporter will be a valuable means of information for residents, businesses and visitors. Please take a look when the next issue arrives in your mailbox. Jim Haggerton, Mayor CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS: JUNE/JULY/AUGUST 2010 June Held public hearing and passed resolu- tion adopting Six -Year Transportation Improvement Program for 2011-2016. Approved fireworks permit for fire- works display at the Family Fourth at the Fort celebration on July 4, 2010. Approved ordinance adopting 2009 Edition of International Fire Code and appendices, with certain exceptions and amendments (TMC 16.16). Authorized animal control services in- terlocal agreement with King County. Authorized formation of exploratory committee to investigate options for providing fire services to Tukwila. Held public hearing regarding updates to and expansion of City's Sign Code. July Adopted 2009 State Building Code, Washington Cities electrical Code, ap- plicable issuance of permits and collec- tion of fees. Held public meeting and approved or- dinance establishing new regulations regarding revenue generating regula- tory licenses (TMC 5.62). Recognized Anna Bernhard as 2010's "Treasures of Tukwila" award recipient. Amended Tukwila Municipal Code 8.22 regarding "Noise," clarifying defi- nitions, requirements & enforcement. Approved ordinance providing for issu- ance of $1,900,000 par value of Lim- ited Tax General Obligation Bonds, Se- ries 2010A, and $3,970,000 par value Limited Tax General Obligation Bonds, Series 2010B, to provide funds with which to pay the cost of Southcenter Parkway Improvements and emergen- cy response capital equipment. Approved ordinance extending City Utility Tax sunset provision. Approved ordinance revising City's Business License fee schedule. Requested City Administration to iden- tify additional $2 4 million in program and service reductions. Held public hearing regarding updates to requirements for regulating develop- ment in sensitive areas and buffers. Authorized amendment to Settlement Agreement #08-056 with Darryl Doak, Sr., Estrella Doak, Darryl Doak, Jr., and Doak Homes. August Held public hearing and approved or- dinance renewing moratorium relating to preservation of industrial land within City's Manufacturing Industrial Center. Approved ordinance updating certain requirements for regulating develop- ment on sensitive areas and buffers. Approved ordinance updating and ex- panding City's code regarding place- ment, display and use of signs and other visual communication devices. Approved resolution adopting Volun- tary Separation Program for City em- ployees. Second Saturday of each month: October 9 November 13 from 10:OOaM to 12:OONooN Starbucks at 13038 Interurban Avenue For up-to-date information about Council meetings, agendas, and activities, visit http://www.ci.tukwila.wa.us TUKWILA PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT i Youth and Teen Basketball Program Volunteer coaches needed The Youth and Teen Basketball league is currently seeking coaches. Coaches must be available for weekly practices and games. The time commitment is approximately six hours per week. All coaches must pass a background check and complete the Youth Sports Coach- es Certification Program on December 4. If you are interested, please contact Steve or Marlus at 206-768-2822. Team Sponsorship Your business or family can make a difference by sponsoring a team for as little as $250. For more information, contact Dave Johnson at the Tukwila Community Center at 206-768-2822. Planning a meeting, holiday party or a special occasion? The Tukwila Community Center offers banquet facilities and meeting space to accommodate groups as large as 500 people. With the views of Mount Rain- ier in the background and a location convenient to freeway access, TCC is the perfect place for your event. Call 206-768-2822 to schedule a tour, or visit us at www.ci.tukwila.wa.us for our current rental rates. I2 THE HAZELNUT COUNCIL CORNER For the last Hazelnut I was proud to write about concepts of leadership, and how this responsibility is shared by all mem- bers on Tukwila's City Council. It was a fun, positive article to write, providing the opportunity to share with you some areas where involved Council members have stepped for- ward. Plus... it wasn't about the City's looming budget gap. Now it's time to write about the budget. The topic is too important to put off. I'll try to keep my message very short and to the point. Tukwila has a serious, long-term budget gap of $9 million per year. Yet, adopting a balanced City budget isn't a choice — it's a Council duty. The Council, with help from City Administration, has been working on a solution that will be integral to the 2011-2012 budget we must pass in December. We have decided to at- tempt resolving the situation by: • Increasing Revenues by $3.4 million per year • Decreasing Program & Services by $2.2 million per year • Decreasing Wages & Benefits by $3 4 million per year So far, we have tentatively identified $3 0 million in new revenues, $2 3 million in program and service reductions, and $1.0 million to be used for wage and benefit reductions. By Dennis Robertson, 2010 Council President We are still working to identify another $400,000 in rev- enue increases, and will have to increase reductions in pro- grams and services if we cannot reach further agreement on wage and benefit reductions. Situations of this type always bring about lots of rumors and confusion. In this case it's especially true since we are work- ing through these difficult choices in open Council meetings where all sides of potential solutions are being discussed. Decision-making processes in a democracy are often — for lack of a better word — messy, and I'm aware that's how it must appear in this case. If you have concerns about the proposed changes or ru- mored changes, or are just plain confused by some of the things happening or statements being made, please check the City's website for information or contact a member of the City Council or your Mayor. Alternatively, you can wait until October at which time the City will produce its "Preliminary Budget" document with all of the proposed changes clearly identified. We plan to schedule public meetings in October and November to dis- cuss the proposed Budget, at which time we can fully ex- plain and examine the proposed changes. As your Council president and a fellow community member, I sincerely hope to see you at one of these meetings. Tukwila Police cars sport new color scheme The Tukwila Police Department has, as far back as anyone can remember, maintained a single dark blue color scheme for their police cars, until now. Starting in 2010, all newly purchased Tukwila Police patrol cars will be black - and -whites. In the early days of automobiles, po- lice cars were generally all one color — usually black, same as other cars of the time. Around the 1920's, police car color schemes began to change to a black -and -white configuration, which makes a police car quickly and clearly identifiable from a significant distance. The term "black -and -white" even made it into police nomenclature when referring to their patrol vehicles, as seen on classic television shows like "Highway Patrol", "Adam -12" and "Mayberry RFD". The 60's and 70's saw the evolution of color schemes for law enforcement vehicles move to- ward a rainbow of different colors. This change in design comes with new graphics and a new sense of clear iden- tity to the public. Studies have shown that having black and white police cars brings a greater perception of police presence. Tukwila's Police Department is excited to join other surrounding agencies in changing vehicle colors to this scheme. Keep an eye out for our new cars; they won't be hard to spot! 1 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010 3 Public information meetings about new rental housing licensing program On January 1, 2011, Tukwila's new Residential Rental Licensing and In- spection Program goes into effect. The owners of multiple -family residences, rental condominiums, and other rental dwelling units will be required to ob- tain licenses for each unit and to sub- mit each unit for a comprehensive in- spection every four years. The program was created to ensure that Tukwila's citizens with their households in rental units are living in safe and healthy housing conditions, and that rental properties are main- tained or improved to meet acceptable standards. Citizens are invited to learn more about the program by attending a pub- lic information meeting at the Tukwila Community Center. Staff will give a short presentation and answer your specific questions. Upcoming meetings are currently scheduled for: • Thursday, October 14 at 6:OOPm • Wednesday, November 10 at 1:OOPm Space is limited; reserve your place by sending an email to codeenforce- ment@ci.tukwila.wa.us with the sub- ject "Rental License Public Meeting" and indicate your choice of date. Learn more about the program on our website (www ci.tukwila.wa.us), or call Kathy Stetson at 206-431-3682. Tukwila studies industrial lands and their uses Tukwila's Manufacturing Industrial Center (MIC) is one of four such centers designated by King County through the State's Growth Management Act. Manufacturing Industrial Centers (MICs) areas are intended to preserve and enhance manufacturing and industrial activity, and the industrial land that allows these activities to operate. Tukwila's MIC is ap- proximately 966 acres along the Duwamish River, bounded generally by the City of Seattle on the north, South 125th Street on the south, the Burlington Northern railway right- of-way on the east, and the Duwamish River on the west. The MIC is home to approximately 14,000 jobs and a signifi- cant portion of Tukwila's economic activity. Policies set forth in Tukwila's Comprehensive Plan — the City's blueprint for land use — specify that the Manufacturing Industrial Center should be used for industrial activities. The Zoning Code limits non -industrial uses, especially office and retail which may occur in the MIC, reserving the land for industrial activities and some limited support for these uses. New housing is not permitted. The limits on allowed uses in these areas mean that land prices tend to be lower for indus- trial land than for most other land in the City, leading some owners and investors to speculate that the land could be worth more if the rules about allowed uses were changed. Policies and codes have not discouraged some property own- ers from seeking changes. In recent years the City has re- ceived several applications for amending both the Compre- hensive Plan and the Zoning Code, requesting a wider array of uses on land that is now zoned industrial or to change the zoning designation from MIC on particular lands. Concerns exist that allowing non -industrial uses in industrial areas can harm existing businesses and discourage new ones from locating in those areas. Non -industrial uses can increase the cost of land (and rents), making it harder for industrial activities to be profitable. Office and retail uses increase the amount of traffic in an area, and can impede the trucks that bring supplies and deliver finished products for industrial Legend Tukwila City Limits r i Manufacturing / Industrial Center firms. Large trucks need maneuvering room, which is some- times diminished by on -street parking, or roadway adjust- ments made to accommodate retail and office users. In light of these concerns, the City of Tukwila staff is study- ing the Manufacturing Industrial Center, to identify the key issues facing industrial lands and businesses in the city, and to develop approaches that can help Tukwila meet its objec- tives for industrial land. If you'd like to learn more about the study, to become in- volved, or to be placed on the mailing list, contact Rebecca Fox in Tukwila's Department of Community Development at 206-431-3683 or email MICstudy@ci.tukwila.wa.us. 1 4 THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila plans for shoreline land uses The Shoreline Master Program is a land use plan that establishes regulations for the area within 200 feet of the river's edge on both sides of the Green/Duwamish River. Many cities and counties throughout the State are required to prepare these plans. The City last updated its Master Program in 1974 and since that time, a great deal of residential, commercial and industrial development has taken place in the City. In the larger Green River watershed, human impacts on the river system, through logging, farming, residential, commercial and industrial development, has led to flooding and drainage problems, and has hurt the habitat for fish and wildlife, especially salmon. Levees have been constructed to prevent flooding, but these in turn have affected the habitat of the river and restricted the ability of the river to carry storm water to Puget Sound during large storm events. As the impacts of human development have been recognized, State and Federal regulations have emerged to require local jurisdictions to better protect what habitat remains, to accommodate the collected storm water, which ends up in the river and to identify areas where habitat restoration can occur and to follow through with restoring these sites. The City's adopted Shoreline Master Program establishes policies to guide devel- opment in the shoreline, identifies permitted uses and development standards, rules for environmentally sensitive areas that fall within the shoreline, public ac- cess and shoreline restoration. If you would like to be included on the City's mailing list for shoreline issues, con- tact Carol Lumb at 206-431-3661 or email her at SMP@ci.tukwila.wa.us. REGIONAL LANDLORD TRAINING Wednesday, October 13 - 8:00AM to 4:30PM at the Tukwila Community Center 12424 - 42nd Avenue S This multi -family housing crime reduction program is designed for apartment managers, leasing agents, rental unit owners, and anyone dealing with rental units. When criminals and other destructive tenants operate out of rental properties, neighborhood suffer and landlords pay a high price through property damage, legal issues, and loss of po- tential rental income. Get the latest updates on laws while learning about crime prevention, applicant screening, drug nuisance abatement procedures and more. The one -day program provides useful management informa- tion, a landlord training manual, guest speakers, local re- sources, plus lunch and coffee/snack breaks. Cost: $25 per person For more information or to register, please contact Tukwila's Community Policing Coordinator Chris Partman at 206-431- 2197. Seating is limited; registration is on a first-come, first- served basis. FOR FLOOD WATCH INFORMATION Tukwila's Emergency Flood Information Line: 206-431-2186 RADIO City's emergency station, AM 1640 Radio stations (KOMO 1000 AM, KIRO 97.3 FM) TV Tukwila TV, Comcast Channel 21 Broadcast TV channels (KOMO 4, KING 5, KIRO 7) WEB Go to the special information section on the City's website: www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/hhdam.html for links to: + Flood warning website (King County government) + Howard Hanson Dam information (Corps of Engineers) + Northwest weather forecast (NOAA) + Green River Basin data summary (Corps of Engineers) 1 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010 5 I WhtNew(s) Mortgage Help Day The mortgage crisis has affected large numbers of homeowners; thousands have already lost their homes and many more will be faced with the prospect of foreclo- sure. Although foreclosure is often unavoidable, many homeowners are unaware of an alternative solution that might benefit both them and the mortgage holder. The possibility of foreclosure makes understanding this option vital. If you are worried about making your next house payment, are currently delinquent on your mortgage, have received a foreclosure notice, or are considering bankruptcy to avoid foreclosure, then consider attending Mortgage Help Day, sponsored by the Statewide PovertyAction Network (www povertyaction. org). This will take place on Saturday, October 2, from 10:00AM to 4:00PM in Brockey Conference Center at South Seattle Community College. This event will provide free professional counseling and resource for those concerned about foreclosure. Attendees can sign up to meet directly with local bank and lender representa- tives to discuss their loans and modification options. Certified HUD Housing Counselors will also offer information on the foreclosure process, how to prevent future foreclosures, and how to remedy an existing foreclosure crisis. Counselors will work with each person to decide what the best options might be, based on a person's specific circumstance. Mortgage Help Day will also offer workshops on financial planning and advocacy, with attorneys on hand to answer questions. It is suggested that attendees bring a photo ID, social security card, W-2s and tax re- turns for the last two years as well as their last two pay stubs and bank statements. It is also advised to bring all mortgage related documents and — if applicable — a layoff notice from an employer and/or medical letter from a doctor. Free child care and translation services (pre-registration required) are available upon request. For more information and to sign up for child care or translation services, call Danielle of the Statewide Poverty Action Network at 206-694-6794. r Human Services Office Evie — 206-433-7180 Stacy — 206-433-7181 tukhsery@ci.tukwila.wa.us Veterans Crisis Hotline The Veteran's Crisis Hotline provides numerous support services for all ac- tive military and all veterans. Hotline services include: • Provision of brochures to all return- ing soldiers and existing veterans which explain available resources. • Help for returning servicemen/ser- vicewomen in navigating the com- plexities of the Veterans Admin- istration mental health system by guiding them through the process until they have received satisfactory services. • Maintenance of a local resource da- tabase for use by crisis centers. For more information or assistance, call toll free, night or day, any time, 1-877-838-2838 or visit their website at www.veteranscall.us. Minor Housing Repair Program Tukwila's Human Services division has offered low- and moderate -income ho- meowners the opportunity to address small housing repair and maintenance needs through the federally -funded Minor Housing Repair program for five years. The annual grant, awarded by the King County Community Develop- ment Consortium, allows income -eligi- ble homeowners to address safety and health needs of their home. Examples of repairs performed in this program include installation of rails and grab bars, repair of leaky sinks and toilets, small electrical and HVAC sys- tem repairs, repair of structural light fixtures, and furnace troubleshooting. Human Services staff contract for the work with a variety of professionals, well experienced and licensed in their respective fields. Jobs that are identi- fied as being too large for the program are referred to the King County Hous- ing repair program (206-263-9095) for the availability of no -interest loans. Tukwila's Human Service Office oper- ates this program in Tukwila, SeaTac, Des Moines and Covington. For 2010, Tukwila was awarded $100,000 to op- erate the program in the four cities. The majority of funds pay for construc- tion costs of the repairs. The Human Services Division has submitted a com- petitive application to manage the pro- gram for 2011. Please call 206-433-7180 for more in- formation, or visit the Human Services page on the City of Tukwila's website: www.ci.tukwila.wa.us. Crisis Clinic (24-hour line) 206-461-3222 1-866-427-4747 www.crisisclinic.org 6 THE HAZELNUT TUKWILA Green ways to dispose of your pet's waste We all love our dogs and cats. Here are some do's and don'ts for safe and eco -friendly pet waste disposal: DO: • Throw it away. This is probably the most common op- tion. Double -bag your pet's wastes to limit mess during garbage collection. • Flush it. To prevent plumbing problems, be careful not to flush any debris such as rocks and sticks that may be ac- cidently picked up with the waste. Think twice if you're on a septic system, though. Some aren't equipped to handle the high pollutant load of pet waste. • Bury it. Pet waste can be buried (at least one foot deep) and covered in your yard. Dig holes away from food - growing and children's play areas, since bacteria from pet waste may be unsafe for humans. DO NOT: • Compost it with your food scraps. Do not place pet waste in a regular compost pile or in your yard debris cart. Remember, pet waste bacteria may be harmful to humans. Pet waste can be composted separately using special enzymes similar to those used in septic tanks. Search online for "pet waste digester" either to purchase a digester or get directions to make one. • Let it rot on your lawn (or someone else's). This practice is both bad for the environment, and against Tukwila's animal control law. When it rains, pet waste can carry diseases and bacteria through the storm drains into lakes, streams and Puget Sound. • Use a biodegradable bag. Biodegradable bags are a won- derful option for food scraps that go in the yard waste cart or home compost bin, but they should not be used for anything that goes to a landfill. Landfills limit expo- sure to air and water, two necessary conditions for items to properly compost. Using biodegradable bags for pet waste does support the "alternatives to plastics" indus- py, but that's about it. (Many thanks to Jeanette Brizendine, Federal Way Recycling Manager) Tukwila named a 2010 "Best Workplace for Recycling and Waste Reduction" 2010 Best Workplace for Recycling and Waste Reduction Recognized by the King County Solid Waste Division kg King County i.4? In 2010, the City of Tukwila was named by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks Solid Waste Division as one of its 75 "Best Workplaces for Recycling and Waste Reduction." The City of Tukwila tries to "walk its talk" by having an effective recycling program for its employees. With- in the past 12 months, Tukwila has converted their recycling program to a mixed system for paper and cans. Employees have the option of having custodial staff take and empty their recycling containers, or do- ing it themselves. The City has recently developed an "Earth Day" pledge. By pledging to implement several resource -conserving measures, employees receive a reusable shopping bag to emphasize the "reuse" mes- sage. The City of Tukwila is also increasing recycling opportunities for the public at large and visible City - sponsored events, including recycling and food recy- cling at the Backyard Wildlife Festival, Fourth of July and Tukwila Days. Tukwila is also providing portable recycling containers for the public to use at games and rental events at the Community Center. SOME SIMPLE STEPS TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT Try an alternative form of transportation once a week. Give your car a rest!. Try a carpool, take the bus, walk or bike. • - •. For more information, please contact Recycling Coordinator Rebecca Fox — Phone: 206-431-3683 Email: recycle@ci.tukwila.wa.us SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2010 7 CITY DIRECTORY TUKWILA CITY HALL 6200 Southcenter Boulevard Hours: Monday—Friday, 8:30aM-5:00PM Telephone: 206-433-1800 Fax number: 206-433-1833 TTY number: 206-248-2933 Website: http://wwwci.tukwila.wa.us E-mail: tukwila@ci.tukwila.wa.us TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL Dennis Robertson, Pres. 206-242-6373 Joe Duffle (beeper #) 206-994-7229 Joan Hernandez 206-248-0260 Allan Ekberg 206-241-6904 Verna Seal 206-293-3274 Kathy Hougardy 206-571-0007 De'Sean Quinn 206-241-0225 Kimberly Mate), Analyst 206-433-1834 CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7:OOPM in Council Chambers Regular Meetings 1st/3rd Mondays Work Meetings 2nd/4th Mondays Agenda Info Line 206-431-3656 CITY OFFICES Mayor's Office Jim Haggerton, Mayor 206-433-1805 Steve Lancaster, City Admin206-433-1851 City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800 Economic Development 206-433-1832 Human Services 206-433-7180 Municipal Court 206-433-1840 Tourism/Marketing 206-575-2489 Community Development Dept. Jack Pace, Director 206-431-3670 Code Enforcement 206-431-3682 Finance Department Shawn Hunstock, Director 206-433-1835 Fire Department Nick Olivas, Chief 206-575-4404 Human Resources Department Stephanie Brown, Director206-433-1831 Personnel 206-433-1831 City Job Line 206-433-1828 Information Technology Department Mary Miotke, Director 206-433-7150 Parks/Recreation Department Rick Still, Director 206-767-2342 Police Department David Haynes, Chief 206-433-1808 Public Works Department Bob Giberson, Director 206-433-0179 Emergency Fire, Police 911 TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER 12424 - 42nd Avenue South Recreation Division 206-768-2822 Senior Center/Services 206-767-2323 TUKWILA CITY POOL 4414 S. 144th Street 206-267-2350 FOSTER GOLF LINKS 13500 Interurban Avenue South Pro Shop 206-242-4221 THE HAZELNUT newsletter is published five times a year by the City of Tukwila, and written by City staff. Editing/production: Stacia Norris, IT Dept. THE HAZELNUT City of Tukwila 6200 Southcenter Blvd. Tukwila, WA 98188 Postmaster: If named addressee has moved, deliver to current resident. PRESORT STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SEATTLE, WA PERMIT NO. 12698 To help us correct addresses or eliminate duplicates, please call 206-433-1800. Howard Hanson Dam: Flood Risk Update The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recently announced increased confidence in the water storage capacity of the Howard Hanson Dam, based on testing and analysis of drainage improvements and a grout curtain installed in 2009. The Corps estimates the risk of flooding in the Green River Valley to be approximately 1 in 60 for the upcoming flood season in Western Washington, typically Novem- ber through February. This is much improved over their risk estimate last flood season of 1 in 33. After testing these measures in spring 2010, the Corp is more confident the Dam can safely store water to 48% of its design capacity. This year Congress approved $44 million in emergency funding for the Corps to begin taking corrective actions at Howard Hanson Dam, which would provide immediate risk reduction as they are put into operation. Completion of all the identified risk reduction measures could be completed as early as 2012. The Corps expects that completion of these projects will allow it to resume oper- ating the dam at its full design capacity which is to retain flood waters of a 140 - year return rate storm. The Corps will continue to monitor the dam to ensure effectiveness of the corrective measures and may need to perform additional work. While the risk reduction is good news and Howard Hanson Dam is not in immedi- ate danger of failing, the dam is still not operating at full flood control capacity and the risk of flooding is still higher than it has been in nearly 50 years. The sandbag containers on the trail along the Green River will remain in place this winter. At this time Tukwila encourages all residents and businesses to stay prepared for potential flooding during this coming flood season. Important preparations: • purchasing flood insurance if your home or business is in a potential impact area • having an emergency kit at home and in your car, and • signing up for emergency notifications. For additional information on potential flooding and how to be prepared, visit www.ci.tukwila.wa.us/hhdam.html, or call the Tukwila Fire Department at 206- 575-4404. Find more details and history about Howard Hanson Dam and planned risk reduction measures at wwwnws.usace.armvmil.