205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887
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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 01/18/2011 - Damage assessments will begin this morning as floodwater in some areas begins to recede. Most roads have re-opened and Public Works Crews are clearing debris and assessing repairs needed. County Emergency Management will review the 'Response Phase' and begin planning for the 'Reporting & Recovery Phase' of this event.
An early morning assessment found most of the roads are clear of water today following yesterday's flooding from US HWY 97 across the valley to Cook Canyon and South to Thrall Road. Ringer Loop is still submerged and impassible, as is Riverbottom.
The County, having declared a state of emergency, is receiving assistance from the Army Corps of Engineers in repairing and raising a section of River Bottom Road. The large crews worked throughout the night and will continue into today. This work should help with the current flooding and mitigate future events.
Emergency responders and public works staff will meet with representatives from public health and other elected officials today to review the response to the flood and to plan for the reporting and recovery phase. Information on reporting damage will be posted on the county web site once the reporting phase begins.
We have received about 40 residential reports, 64 reports of flooded roads and 3 reports on commercial properties. There have been no injuries reported.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Updates will be posted as new information develops.
