In response to recent major floods in Washington state, Rep. Scott White sponsored House Bill 1967 to stop expansion of urban growth areas into designated one hundred year floodplains.These are the areas adjacent to rivers and streams that are subject to frequent or regular flooding, and are generally considered unstable and potentially dangerous areas. White’s measure only applies to the larger river systems in western Washington and has focused exceptions for communities that already have significant development on floodplains.
"This is a common sense approach that will help us save lives and property," said White. "Encouraging smart growth by limiting development in flood plains benefits our state by creating safer communities and reducing the costs to taxpayers that come with flooding disasters."
Photo - Gov. Gregoire signs HB 1967 on May 5, 2009. From left to right: Tom Clingman, Ecology Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program; Carl Schroeder, HDC Policy staff; Joe Tovar, Washington Chapter, American Planning Association; Governor Christine Gregoire; April Putney, Futurewise; Rep. Scott White, 46th Legislative District
