Mount Vernon, WA, Gets Green Light from FEMA for Potential Redevelopment of Historic Downtown; Federal Decision Opens Opportunity to Attract Long Term Commercial Investment

    MOUNT VERNON, WA, August 26, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- A major obstacle in the path of downtown redevelopment has been removed. Mount Vernon Mayor Bud Norris announced that the Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved the City's request for a conditional letter of map revision, (CLOMR) that will lead to the removal of downtown Mount Vernon from the 100 year floodplain.

"This is monumental news for the City and represents a milestone in accomplishing our goal of adequate flood protection for downtown Mount Vernon thereby opening the door for the potential redevelopment of our historic downtown," noted Mayor Norris.

For the past five years, Mount Vernon has worked diligently on a project that will protect its downtown core from the annual threat of flooding and allow for the historic downtown to be revitalized.

"This project, and its success, is a critical component to the City's ongoing efforts to reduce the dangers that flooding presents to the public safety, health, and welfare of Mount Vernon citizens every year. The success is also key to creating a vibrant, beautiful downtown that will attract long term commercial investment and as a result enhance quality of life for Mount Vernon, its citizens and visitors to the area," said Mayor Norris.

The flood protection project also includes a 1.75 mile river trail and promenade that will greatly enhance public access to the City's riverfront and provide a much needed public amenity to the downtown area. It is anticipated that the flood protection and improved access, which is incorporated into the design of the flood project, will result in mixed-use downtown redevelopment; generate jobs; create housing, and boost the commercial tax base while preserving the historic character of downtown Mount Vernon.

The project is fully permitted, designed and ready for construction. Currently the first phase of the project is under construction between Lion's Park and the Division Street Bridge and will be completed as soon as this September.

Mount Vernon has gone through an exhaustive public process evaluating the environmental and flood related impacts, coordinating with local, state and federal agencies.

Mount Vernon City officials have been working with FEMA officials over the past 15 months to design a flood protection project, that once constructed, receives a Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) removing downtown Mount Vernon from the 100-year floodplain.

The engineering firm Pacific International Engineering, PLLC, designed and provided the engineering studies which formed the basis of FEMA's approval. FEMA's rigorous review, high standards and ultimate approval acknowledges the soundness of and high quality of design work the City received.

Mayor Norris acknowledged the help received from others in getting to this point. "I would like to give special thanks to our partners in this project, Dike District 3 for their cooperation and financial support. I would also like to acknowledge our community partners for their support of this project - Mount Vernon School District, Skagit Valley Hospital, Skagit Valley College, Skagit County, Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, EDASC, as well as the cities of Burlington, Sedro-Woolley, town of La Conner, and the Port of Skagit."

For further information, please visit http://www.ci.mount-vernon.wa.us/.

For further information
Jana Hanson, Director, City of Mount Vernon
Community and Economic Development
(360) 336-6214
[email protected]

Get a great life in Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is Washington State's premier small city. It's a town with a big heart, always ready to help families and business thrive and prosper.

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