| Date of Release: December 3, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. |
Released By: Cathie Butler, Communications Manager
phone: 360-753-8361
email |
OLYMPIA MAYOR MARK FOUTCH DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY
UPDATE ON CLOSURES
(Olympia, WA) The City of Olympia Emergency Operations Center will close at 5:00 p.m. today, December 3. Even though the EOC is closed, Olympia City staff will monitor and respond to flood damage tonight as they have since about 2:00 a.m. this morning. Tomorrow, City staff will assess the situation and continue to respond to calls for assistance, document the event, and begin recovery.
Hardest hit in Olympia appears to be the Westside where Cooper Point Road and Black Lake Boulevard are closed from the Highway 101 interchange to Capital Mall Drive, as is West Bay Drive between Brawne Avenue and Raft Hill.
Olympia Mayor Mark Foutch has declared a state of emergency due to localized flooding and potential damage to City infrastructure from today’s rain and wind storm. The declaration allows the City to suspend normal bidding procedures and make emergency arrangements with private contractors for services. The City of Olympia fully activated its emergency operations center (EOC) at 10:30 a.m. this morning to monitor and respond to storm related events.
Garfield Nature Trail Closed
Garfield Nature Trail is closed due to mudslides across portions of the trail and a sewer line separation.
Garfield Sewer Trestle
A portion of City sewer line suspended by a trestle along the ravine at Garfield Nature Trail has separated. The City is using its emergency powers to arrange for a contractor to evaluate and repair the line.
Decatur Street
The City of Olympia is temporarily opening Decatur Street at Caton Way for emergency vehicle response only.
Roads Closed: See updated news release.
Motorists are reminded:
- Always obey and do not go around “road closed” signs. They are there for your protection.
- If you see excessive water in the roadway, avoid the area if possible.
- Never drive through flowing water, a foot of water can float most cars.
- Keep an emergency kit in your car.
- Listen to the radio for traffic updates, and follow recommended routes.
- Avoid unnecessary trips.
Cooper Point & Black Lake Blvd 12-03-07
For information about road closures contact Olympia Public Works at 753-8588 (Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or visit our website at www.olympiawa.gov for updates or information on road closures and flooding.