Today, Rep. Richard DeBolt, R-Chehalis, and Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, supported the 2013-15 Capital Budget which allocates $28.2 million for flood protection in the Chehalis River Basin.

“Lewis County has been devastated by floods twice in the past decade. Today, we took a meaningful step forward toward our goal of flood protection for the communities in the Chehalis River Valley,” said Braun.

The Senate and House of Representatives approved the $28.2 million package recommended by the governor’s workgroup composed of representatives from the Chehalis Tribe, Thurston, Lewis and Grays Harbor counties.  The proposal was also endorsed by all Chehalis Basin Flood Authority members.

“Too often in government we see partisan fighting instead of problem solving.  On this issue all 12 legislators whose districts the Chehalis River runs through came together with a unified voice to help get this done,” said DeBolt.

The funding will allow the Chehalis Basin Flood Authority to continue. It will also go towards engineering and design of a water retention facility in the upper Chehalis River, fishery enhancement and local flood projects for communities across the basin from Pe Ell to Aberdeen.

For more information about Rep. DeBolt, visit: www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/debolt.

For more information about Sen. Braun, visit: https://www.leg.wa.gov/senate/senators/Pages/braun.aspx