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Representative Dave Clark Reports Major Flood Damage in Washington County, Urges State Assistance
Summary
Representative Dave Clark reported extensive flood damage in Washington County—estimate of public infrastructure damage exceeds $150 million and may reach $200 million; about 30 homes were lost and another 25–30 may be condemned—he urged state help and noted FEMA limits on assistance.
Representative David (Dave) Clark gave a floor report on severe flooding in Washington County and urged state consideration of assistance for long-term rebuilding. "FEMA has been down and they have, it looks like the number for public infrastructure will exceed 150,000,000 maybe somewhere up to $200,000,000," Clark said, describing the scale of damage. He reported approximately 30 homes were destroyed and an additional 25 to 30 homes likely would be condemned.
Clark emphasized that many damaged homes were outside recognized 500-year flood plains and that the event represented an unprecedented flow: "Typical flow in the Santa Clara River is around 6 cubic feet per second... During Tuesday's rush of water... there was an excess of 65,000 cubic feet per second." He described community response and noted the Red Cross had provided immediate assistance but that long-term rebuilding needs would exceed what Red Cross funds could cover; he said FEMA's maximum payment for a damaged home was $10,500, which many homeowners would find insufficient.
Clark asked the state to consider government-to-government assistance and noted alternative donation channels for citizens interested in contributing. Speaker Greg J. Curtis said he planned to visit Washington County personally the following weekend.
Next steps: Lawmakers may consider state funding or other aid mechanisms as damage assessments continue; representatives and staff identified local recovery needs and non-Red Cross donation channels.
