Funding will advance the North Shore Levee West construction to reduce flood risk, support flood insurance relief, and strengthen long-term economic revitalization.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOQUIAM, Wash. - The City of Hoquiam announced today that authorization has been granted to execute a Hazard Mitigation Grant agreement with the Washington State Military Department for the North Shore Levee West. The agreement includes $34.65 million in federal funding through the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program and $5,775,124 in State Emergency Management matching grants.
The funding will help move forward the North Shore Levee West improvements, a transformational investment designed to reduce flood risk, strengthen community resiliency, support relief from costly flood insurance requirements, and create the conditions for renewed economic growth and private investment in Hoquiam.
"The City is committed to bringing economic prosperity back to Hoquiam and helping families who have been struggling with the financial challenges that come with living and working in the flood zone," said Mayor Ben Winkelman. "This grant gives us the opportunity to deliver a project that protects our community, reduces long-term burdens on property owners, and creates a stronger foundation for the future of Hoquiam."
"This grant represents a major step forward for Hoquiam and for the families and businesses that have lived with flood risk and the burdens of being in the flood zone for too long," said Brian Shay, Hoquiam City Administrator. "With this investment, the City will quickly move to construct the project to protect people and property, improve resiliency, and unlock economic opportunity throughout our community."
Once complete, the flood protection improvements are expected to reduce flood exposure for residents, businesses, public facilities, emergency services, and critical infrastructure. The project is also intended to support future certification and mapping that could lower flood insurance costs for property owners and make redevelopment and reinvestment more feasible.
In addition to protecting existing neighborhoods and commercial areas, the project is expected to provide a foundation for long-term economic revitalization by improving certainty for businesses, supporting job retention and creation, and strengthening the City's ability to attract new investment in areas that have historically faced flood-related constraints.
"We are grateful for the continued partnership of FEMA, our state and federal delegation, the Governor's Office, the Washington State Military Department, the State AG's Office, the Chehalis Basin Board, Grays Harbor County, the City of Aberdeen, HDR Engineering, Gordon Thomas Honeywell, and the many local agencies, residents and businesses who have supported this effort," Shay said. "This project has required years of planning, design, permitting, and persistence. Hoquiam is ready to move toward construction as quickly as possible."
"My neighbors in Aberdeen and Hoquiam have been fighting for this funding for over a decade. I'm thrilled to see $34 million in FEMA BRIC funds finally reach these communities so they can move forward with the North Shore Levee West project," said Congresswoman Randall. "Once completed, this critical infrastructure will help protect thousands of homes and businesses and make life more affordable for folks in Grays Harbor County by saving taxpayers and business owners millions of dollars in flood insurance premiums."
"I also want to thank our city staff for their relentless pursuit and management of state and federal grants to fund the critical infrastructure projects our citizens and community need," said Mayor Ben Winkelman. "Their dedication, persistence, and professionalism are helping Hoquiam secure the resources necessary to protect our neighborhoods, strengthen our economy, and build a more resilient future."
About the Project
The North Shore Levee West improvements are part of the broader Aberdeen-Hoquiam Flood Protection Project, a regional effort to protect homes, businesses, public facilities, transportation routes, utilities, and emergency services from recurring and future flood impacts. The project is designed to improve public safety, strengthen local infrastructure, and support long-term community resilience in the face of changing flood conditions.
Benefits to the Community
Improved flood protection for residents, businesses, and critical public infrastructure.
Greater community resiliency during severe weather and high-water events.
Flood insurance relief for eligible property owners following project completion and applicable federal review processes.
Increased confidence for private investment, redevelopment, and job-supporting economic activity.
Enhanced protection for emergency services, public facilities, schools, and transportation corridors.
Next Steps
The City will continue coordinating with FEMA and the Washington State Military Department's Emergency Management Division to execute a formal grant agreement for the North Shore Levee West anticipated by the end of September, followed by bidding the construction before the end of the year. Additional public updates will be provided as schedules, construction milestones, and community information opportunities are finalized.
Media Contact
City of Hoquiam Contact:
Brian Shay
Phone:360-538-3983
Email: bshay@cityofhoquiam.com
Website: www.cityofhoquiam.com