Rep. Larsen discusses flood response with Mayor

Even a U.S. representative can have trouble finding a parking place in La Conner.

And not just during peak summer tourist season, but on a January weekday morning.

Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Arlington), top Democrat on the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, knows that all too well. He had to park in a police zone Thursday before a full round of activities here, including speaking at the 24th annual Storming the Sound Conference at Maple Hall.

The 11-term lawmaker avoided a ticket – and for good reason. He is trying to shake loose federal funds for local flood control measures.

Larsen met at Town Hall with Mayor Ramon Hayes, Town Administrator Scott Thomas and Councilmember Rick Dole to discuss the path forward for La Conner, which sustained nearly $2 million in flood damages last month.

"That's about 70% of the county total," said Hayes at the late afternoon meeting. "We took the brunt of it."

Hayes stressed that it was Larsen who asked for the meeting.

"There hasn't been a time when he hasn't been willing to help when we've needed it," Hayes told the Weekly News afterward, citing securing monies to dredge Swinomish Channel.

"He's always been a friend to the La Conner community," insisted Hayes.

The 30-minute meeting was productive, Town leaders said.

Thomas singled out Larsen's commitment to have his office serve as a liaison with the regional Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel in the aftermath of the Dec. 27 flooding.

"I thought it went well," Thomas said. "The big thing for us is his getting in touch with FEMA. Of course, it's a long process. We know everything won't happen overnight."

FEMA is tasked with mitigating, preparing, responding and providing recovery actions in areas struck by natural disasters and hazardous conditions.

Hayes presented a series of photos showing large mounds of flood-damaged items and debris stacked outside the La

Conner Retirement Inn. Pumps were needed to remove several feet of water from the below-grade garage.

"There are federal tools to look at for recovery, mitigation and prevention," assured Larsen. "We want to make sure pictures like these won't happen again."

Hayes told Larsen of the Town's mission to craft a comprehensive flood preparedness strategy, including formation –outlined by Dole – of a five-member municipal flood commission.

"We're planning on a one-year study into flood control and tides," said Hayes. "We need expertise to make it work and we need funds for that expertise to develop a strategic plan."

Hayes said La Conner, given its population, location and unique geography, can set the pace in terms of innovative approaches to climate resiliency, renewable energy and flood management.

"We can be a model for a lot of things," Hayes told Larsen.

Hayes, Thomas and Dole also sought input for obtaining grants for other major projects. Topping the list are state-mandated upgrades to the nearly half-century old wastewater treatment plant.

"It's a 50-year-old facility," Hayes said, "and it's also in danger of flooding, being next to the (Sullivan) Slough."

Prior to his stop at Town Hall, Larsen was at Maple Hall for Storming the Sound, an annual conference hosted by the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Northwest Aquatic Marine Educators and which draws teachers and professionals from the area to share their interest and insights in environmental education.

His day in La Conner began with breakfast at Calico Cupboard on First Street. Larsen said he met there with Swinomish Indian Tribal Community Senate Chair Steve Edwards, but did not divulge what topics they discussed.

The Swinomish have already launched a climate change initiative, which Edwards has said is designed to "prioritize climate adaption action and ensure we are prepared to support and protect our people, our waters, our natural and cultural resources and our way of life for the next seven generations."

Larsen visited local officials throughout the 2nd Congressional District last week.