Carnation residents deserve an effective, reliable Tolt Dam notification system

Sen. Brad Hawkins sent this bulletin at 03/28/2024 09:00 AM PDT

March 28, 2024

Dear Carnation residents,

Many of you have contacted me as concerned residents of Carnation related to the March 27^th false alarm of the Tolt River Dam Emergency System operated by Seattle Public Utilities. This false notification on Wednesday was the latest in multiple false alarms your community has endured. More disappointing is that this latest alarm apparently involved the utility’s recently implemented and “upgraded” alarm system. This is unacceptable.

Close communication with Carnation officials

I’m grateful for the strong working relationship I share with your city. During a recent visit to the State Capitol, I met with councilmembers to discuss the Tolt Dam emergency notification system, State Route 203/Tolt Hill Road roundabout, and other issues. In the Senate chambers (shown above) are Mayor Jim Ribail (left) and Councilmembers Ryan Burrell (center) and Adair Hawkins (right).

Letter to Seattle Public Utilities

In a letter sent yesterday afternoon to the City of Seattle, I stated that any additional false alarms related to a catastrophic event will create more unnecessary trauma for residents of Carnation. These false alarms will continue to erode trust, if there is any left, in the notification system. I urged the City of Seattle to prioritize its dam warning system. I stated, “Do everything possible to ensure that it is fully operational and functioning properly. Residents and businesses in the region deserve a reliable, adequate, and prompt warning system.” I also stated, “Please continue to work closely with the community to implement planned road signage and communication systems. You should also strengthen accommodations for the hard of hearing and disabled populations.”

This is my March 27 letter to Seattle Public Utilities. I copied the Seattle Mayor and Council, King County Executive, Councilmember Sarah Perry, and others. I stated, “Residents and businesses in the region deserve a reliable, adequate, and prompt warning system” and urged Seattle to make it a top priority.

I appreciated the opportunity to attend the Community Forum last September at Tolt Middle School. Your community packed into this school and offered heartfelt and compelling comments to Seattle Public Utilities about the need to improve the Tolt Dam emergency notification system.

Thank you, City of Carnation!

As the State Senator representing Carnation, I hope the City of Seattle will do everything it can to assist your community. You have every right to be disappointed and to demand better results. The Seattle Public Utilities Customer Service is (206) 684-3000. Please contact them to share your concerns.

Your feedback about this issue and state legislative issues are also very important to me. If you have thoughts, please contact me at senatorbradhawkins.org. If you need immediate assistance for legislative matters, please call our Legislative Hotline at 1-800-562-6000. Please like and follow me on Facebook @SenatorBradHawkins for my latest updates.

I am so sorry to hear about these false alarms continuing to impact your community.

Sincerely,

Brad Hawkins

State Senator Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District

Website: senatorbradhawkins.org

P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000

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