Wash. House OKs Flood Aid

Washington’s House has unanimously approved millions in flood-prevention projects in the Chehalis River basin.

The measure appropriates $50 million for the state and local share of a major flood project, including levees to protect Interstate 5 in Lewis County.

Up to $2.5 million would be earmarked for a regional flood-control authority or local governments to develop flood projects to protect homes, farms and businesses throughout the basin.

The plan is House Bill 3375, sponsored by Rep. Gary Alexander, R-Olympia. It and others now go to the Senate.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray says $74 million in federal aid has been authorized for the Chehalis River levee program.

Storms caused at least $1 billion worth of damage in southwestern Washington in December and the region is still mopping up.