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<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, November 19, 2008 Flood damage from last week estimated at nearly $500,000 By Eric Stevick Herald Writer Snohomish County escaped last week’s flooding with about $500,000 in damage and other flood-related costs, according to initial estimates. The county released its estimate Wednesday assessing the flood damage on the Skykomish, Snohomish and Pilchuck river systems. No damage was reported along the Stillaguamish River. County Department of Emergency Management officials said a combination of preparation and good timing kept the damage low. “The rainfall amounts were not as high as initially forecast for us and the rivers started off much lower than in the 2006 flooding,” said Mark Murphy, an operations lead for the county emergency department. Damage in 2006 reached more than $20 million, including $13 million in public property, $6 million to private property and other additional damage to highways. Rain that drenched the region last week was initially expected to bring record floods, but the rivers’ wrath subsided at the last minute. Index, Sultan and Gold Bar all sustained flooding from the Skykomish River, but Stanwood was spared major disaster from the Stillaguamish River and the Snohomish River lapped at the edges of the city of Snohomish. Damages were reported along the Skykomish, Snohomish and Pilchuck rivers but were limited in scale due to early preparation and quick response to rising waters by the emergency management department, public works and other municipal governments, officials said. “Pre-planning and preparation for this flood season have been a top priority for Snohomish County,” said County Executive Aaron Reardon. “These low damage estimates are proof that work has paid off.” More than $300,000 in damage and other costs were absorbed by government agencies, such as the county, Monroe, Snohomish, Diking District 13 and the Snohomish County Public Utility District. One resident along the Pilchuck River reported about $150,000 to his home, while business damage due to flooding was reported at about $2,500. Damage estimates from residents, businesses, utilities and local municipalities are collected to determine whether an area has qualified for state or federal disaster assistance. To qualify for public assistance, Snohomish County must have about $2.7 million in damages to roads, public buildings and infrastructure. The threshold is based upon a county’s population estimate. Homeowners and businesses that suffered damage but did not report to the county emergency department are encouraged to do so after contacting their individual insurance provider. The emergency department can be reached at 425-388-5060. Murphy hopes the county will be spared in the months ahead. “We will see what else Mother Nature has to throw at us,” Murphy said. “Nothing would make me happier than if this was it.” Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or e-mail stevick@heraldnet.com. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

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