The Office of U.S. representative for Washington’s 6th Congressional District Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor) on Wednesday, March 9, announced nearly $10 million in funding for the Aberdeen-Hoquiam Flood Protection Project.

The project includes the North Shore Levee, the North Shore Levee-West Segment, and the Fry Creek Pump Station. In total, the two levees will provide almost 11 miles of flood protection for properties located along the Hoquiam and Wishkah rivers.

“Congressman Kilmer knows our community and recognized early that our flood control measures in Grays Harbor could not achieve its goals of protecting our people, businesses, and environment without substantial involvement from the federal government,” said Aberdeen Mayor Pete Schave in a statement on Wednesday.

“Our cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam came together and created a comprehensive plan with several elements to achieve needed flood control protection. The plan calls for significant resources, through state and federal resources. These federal investments secured through Congressman Kilmer’s efforts will greatly complement the secured local and state funding.”

The project is crucial to protecting the cities of Aberdeen and Hoquiam from the coastal flooding that plagues the area, especially during annual King Tides. It will also improve the storm drainage systems in both cities and reduce flood insurance costs for local homeowners and businesses located in the lowland areas.

Flood insurance has proven to be an issue in the revitalization of downtown Hoquiam as investors have left due to the complexity and additional cost of building in the area.

The U.S. Senate is expected to pass the bill in the coming days, which will then be sent to President Joe Biden for his signature.

For more on this issue please check back on Tuesday, March 22.