Flood Recovery Update fromKyle Christensen, Director of the Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group
The Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group (WLTRG) continues to stand alongside families impacted by the 2021 floods, helping them rebuild stronger and safer for the future. One of the most effective ways we are doing this is through home elevation projects, lifting homes above flood levels to reduce risk and provide long-term peace of mind for families.
WLTRG has partnered with FEMA, the Washington State Emergency Management Division, and Whatcom County River and Flood to make this critical work possible. A number of homes in Whatcom County were pre-selected right after the flooding diaster, by Whatcom County River and Flood in cooperation with FEMA. That selection process with the county is now closed.
The Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group (WLTRG) continues to stand alongside families impacted by the 2021 floods, helping them rebuild stronger and safer for the future. One of the most effective ways we are doing this is through home elevation projects, lifting homes above flood levels to reduce risk and provide long-term peace of mind for families.
WLTRG has partnered with FEMA, the Washington State Emergency Management Division, and Whatcom County River and Flood to make this critical work possible. A number of homes in Whatcom County were pre-selected in cooperation with Whatcom County River and Flood, FEMA selected these homes right after the flooding diaster. That selection process is now closed.
Our role has been to help families navigate the complicated elevation process by coordinating funding, connecting them with contractors and case managers, and ensuring they have the technical expertise needed to move forward. Elevating homes not only safeguards family investments but also helps build lasting community resilience in the face of future disasters.
This work is part of a long-term vision. While immediate recovery has been vital, our focus now is on ensuring families are equipped for the future. Elevation projects mark an important step toward that goal, and more mitigation opportunities will be announced soon as we continue to strengthen Whatcom County’s preparedness.
The recovery journey is not a short one, but WLTRG is committed to walking alongside our neighbors every step of the way. Together with our partners and community, we will keep working to build a safer, more resilient Whatcom County.
Kyle Christensen
Director, Whatcom Long Term Recovery Group