Corps of Engineers assisting Tribal communities ahead of coastal storm

Published Jan. 10, 2014

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Seattle District, activated its Emergency Operations center Jan. 9 and has sent three teams to assist coastal tribal communities with flood protection measures before a storm hits overnight and coincides with high tide Saturday morning.

One team is assisting the QuileuteTribe at La Push, Wash., with placement of as much as 500 tons of large rock at an area where a jetty ties in with the land and is at risk of breaching and flooding the community.  Another team is assisting the Quinault Indian Nation at Taholah, Wash., with construction of a berm to protect homes and infrastructure from potential flooding at high tide.  A third team is providing 1,000 sand bags and technical assistance the Hoh Tribe, who have concerns about potential erosion from the incoming storm.

“The Corps has sent out teams of emergency responders who are familiar with the area and the specific threats from coastal storms,” said Doug Weber, the Seattle District, U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Emergency Management Branch Chief.  “Work is already underway and we expect to be done with construction before high tide Jan. 11, which is at around 8 a.m.”

Teams will remain to monitor conditions until the major storm threat has passed.

Public Law 84-99 enables the Corps to assist state and local authorities in flood fight activities and cost share in the repair of flood protection structures. The purpose is to prevent loss of life and minimize property damage associated with severe weather.

Private citizens seeking sandbags should contact their local government offices. 

The National Weather Service issues flood watches and warnings and should be consulted for that information.


Contact
Public Affairs Office
206-764-3760
patricia.graesser@us.army.mil

Release no. 14-001