KBKW News

Gov. Gregoire Requests Federal Disaster Declaration For Winter Storm

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 19:11:54 -0000

Olympia, WA - Gov. Chris Gregoire has asked President Obama to declare a federal disaster area in 11 Washington counties for damages and emergency response costs suffered during January’s severe winter storm.

“The snow and ice that hit our state last month left widespread damage to public utility systems and roads,” Gregoire said. “It also placed a heavy financial burden on local jurisdictions for debris removal and emergency response at a time when the state, cities and counties face shrinking operational budgets. I’m hopeful we get the financial help necessary to quickly recover from the January storm.”

Preliminary state and federal damage assessments found an estimated $32.3 million in potential eligible damage across the state caused by snow, freezing rain, power outages, rain, fallen trees and limbs, avalanches, falling ice, landslides and storm debris.

Gregoire’s request seeks federal disaster aid for public facility damage in 11 counties—Clallam, Grays Harbor, King, Klickitat, Lewis, Mason, Pierce, Skamania, Snohomish, Thurston and Wahkiakum.

If the declaration is approved, the resulting Federal Emergency Management Agency public assistance grants will defray 75 per cent of the eligible disaster-related costs, such as repair or replacement of property, debris removal and emergency protective measures.

Gregoire proclaimed an emergency in the state on Jan. 18 because of the winter storm conditions.

Will WA's Basic Health Plan Survive the Legislature?

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:17:19 -0000

Olympia, WA - Democrats want to keep it - Republicans have recommended ending it. Once again this year, the Basic Health Plan is a political football in the final weeks of the legislative session.

The state partially subsidizes health coverage for 35,000 low-income Washington residents, with 100,000 more having been trimmed off the rolls in previous years to help balance the state budget. Some policymakers believe one more year of funding is key. Tatsuko Go Hollo, a policy associate with the Economic Opportunity Institute, describes their view.

It's really important that we invest in this through 2013 - and then, the federal government takes over the vast majority of the funding. So, basically, it's sort of building this bridge and ensuring we're able to keep these people covered until the Affordable Care Act can take over. - Tatsuko Go Hollo

The plan's detractors say there's no guarantee that the Affordable Care Act will kick in in 2014 because of the court challenges in its path.

Ericka Corban Featured at Razor Clam Festival

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:00:14 -0000

Ocean Shores, WA - Singer/songwriter Ericka Corban has been playing and writing music for the past decade. On Saturday, March 24^th Ericka Corban will be the featured performer throughout the day at the Ocean Shores/North Beach Chamber of Commerce Sixth Annual Razor Clam Festival.

The Sixth Annual Razor Clam Festival runs from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. With 15 restaurants competing this year in the clam chowder contest. Over 60 vendors providing a wide range of goods and services. The auction of decorated clam shovels and guns is one of the highlights of the show. The “Big Purple Slide,” the Ocean Shores Pirates, Uncle Stinky’s Magic Show and pony rides are just part of the fun for kids. Galway Bay Irish Pub and the Pirate’s Cove Pub will serve up some special adult drinks. For more check out www.oceanshores.org/clamfest/.

FEMA Presents Digital Flood Insurance Maps of County

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 12:50:21 -0000

Montesano, WA - The Federal Emergency Management Agency presented a preliminary Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map. Ed Perkins, Flood engineer for FEMA said Wednesday night "The elevation has changed, and it looks like it's gone up. The reason [for that] is we've changed what we define as our 'zero.'"

Aberdeen's Public Works Director Larry Bledsoe explained, the floodplain isn't rising, however the measurement of that is, so in essence "Because they are changing the survey datum, it actually effects the overall elevations by a few inches. New homes would have to be a few inches higher."

A 90 day appeal period hasn't started yet on the new maps, Perkins said the department hopes to have a final determination and a new map by September.

Imperium Helps US Biodiesel Industry Reach Milestone

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:08:59 -0000

Aberdeen, WA - The United States biodiesel industry reached a key milestone by producing more than one billion gallons of fuel in 2011, according to year-end numbers released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The total volume of nearly 1.1 billion gallons is by far a record for the industry and easily exceeded the 800 million gallon target required under the EPA's Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). The previous record for biodiesel production was about 690 million gallons in 2008.

Imperium Renewables operates a 100 million gallon per year biodiesel facility that is located in Aberdeen, Wash. The facility produces high quality biodiesel from canola oil for the domestic and global marketplace. “We are succeeding thanks in a major part to strong federal energy policy that is stimulating growth of green jobs and reducing our dependence on foreign fuels. RFS2 is a key policy driver that creates demand and success for our company,” said Imperium Renewables CEO John Plaza. “2011 will be the best year that we ever had with respect to volume and profitability — and we are feeling very confident that 2012 will be an even better year.”

We've been seeing a lot of stories about setbacks in the renewable energy sector recently, and I think our success in 2011 reflects the bigger picture reality, which is that strong energy policy is working to stimulate production of clean, American-made energy - Anne Steckel, vice president of federal affairs for the National Biodiesel Board (NBB)

Local Law Enforcement Could Take A Hit From Olympia

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:40:00 -0000

Hoquiam, WA - Washington's proposed House supplemental budget could have a severe impact on local law enforcement, Hoquiam Police Chief Jeff Myers tells us "They're looking at deferring the liquor tax revenue that cities are receiving to the Health Department. That would be about a $43-thousand shift in the Hoquiam city budget because of that."

Myers, who chairs the Criminal Justice Training Commission for the state, said mandated state training has been funded in the past through a portion of traffic ticket revenues.

The governor proposed that local [municipalities] would have to pay for 50% of [training], the House budget has come back saying 100%. - Jeff Myers

Myers said in a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee that removing the funding source for training officers and prosecuting attorneys would effectively turn the criminal justice clock back to 1974.

To hear Myers' interview, click here.

Shoreline Permit Appeal Could Stall Pontoon Construction in Aberdeen

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 14:00:00 -0000

Olympia, WA - An appeal to Washington's shoreline permit for the State Route 520 Pontoon Bridge over Lake Washington could stall construction of the pontoons for almost a year. Aberdeen Mayor Bill Simpson said at last night's council meeting "It could hold up the pontoons, if they get this appeal, up to 240 days. So that would pretty much shut this thing down for 240 days."

Simpson explained two bills, Senate Bill 6599 and House Bill 2787, in the legislature seek to change the permitting process and allow construction of the pontoons to continue. The shoreline permit appeal by the group “Coalition for sustainable 520” would put a hold on construction of the bridge, the state Department of Transportation told Simpson that could also put a hold on pontoon construction in Aberdeen.

Listen to Aberdeen Mayor Bill Simpson's Interview in our On Demand section.

High School Graduation Requirements Changing For Washington 8th Graders

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:14:33 -0000

Aberdeen, WA - High school graduation requirements are changing, one of the biggest changes is "Seat Time" Aberdeen's School Superintendent Tom Opstad explained.

The state board has said 'we're no longer going to define a credit as being in a seat, or a class, for 150 hours.' You can still use that as a guide but you also have the ability to create a local definition. - Tom Opstad

Opstad said the change could affect snow days, and accelerated graduation, the class of 2016 will be the first affected by the changes, which included an additional credit of English and half-credit of social studies.

WSU Grant Program Seeks Input

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:43:42 -0000

Olympia, WA - Washington Sea Grant is in the midst of strategic planning for 2014-2018 and needs your feedback to help shape their programs. Director Penelope Dalton tells KBKW, "If you use, manage, study, enjoy or care about coastal and marine resources in Washington, your input is very valuable to us."

To get involved, follow the link below and complete a 10-question survey to tell us what matters to you. You will be entered in a drawing for three $50 Made In Washington gift cards.

The survey closes March 12, 2012. https://catalyst.uw.edu/webq/survey/mwain/158440

Washington Sea Grant serves communities, industries and the people of Washington state, the Pacific Northwest and the nation through research, education and outreach

State Patrol Seeks Witness to 2010 Crime

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 18:02:04 -0000

Olympia, WA - The Washington State Patrol’s Criminal Investigation Division is asking for the public’s help in identifying a possible witness to a crime that occurred in April 2010.

A stolen vehicle left abandoned and heavily vandalized along State Route 12 near the Black River Bridge left little clues behind. Images obtained from a Wal-Mart surveillance camera in Chehalis clearly shows a white male enter the store and purchase several items. Detectives would like to identify this man as a potential witness. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Krista Hedstrom at 360-473-0142.