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2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan <br />Kittitas County, Washington <br /> <br /> <br />Chapter 4: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment 134 <br />are built above flood level and/or have infrastructure in place to prevent flooding (e.g., levees), in the <br />event of severe flooding these roads can be blocked or damaged. Furthermore, underground utilities can <br />be damaged and levees in rivers, streams, and creeks can fail and inundate the land that they protect. <br />Water and sewer infrastructure is extremely vulnerable to flooding. Floodwaters are capable of backing <br />up drainage systems and culverts can be blocked by debris from the flood event resulting in localized <br />flooding. Additionally, drinking water can be contaminated when floodwater enters the drinking water <br />supplies, and sewer systems can be backed up causing wastewater to spill into homes, neighborhoods, <br />rivers, and streams causing significant public health concerns. <br /> <br />Economy: Flooding events could have a significant impact on the Kittitas County economy. Businesses <br />could be flooded and be unable to reopen until necessary repairs are completed. Studies show that 40% <br />of businesses do not reopen after a disaster, another 25% will close one (1) year after the hazard event, <br />and 90% of companies fail within two (2) years of being impacted by a disaster.161F <br />161 Flooding frequently <br />results in roads and bridges becoming impassable, impacting employee’s ability to reach their place of <br />work and the supply chain. With 27% of the population employed in local and state government, there <br />could be major impacts on the basic functioning of the government. Other industries that will be <br />particularly impacted will be Accommodation and Food Service with 14.8% of Kittitas County employees, <br />Retail Trade with 12.5%, and Health Services with 8.1%.162F <br />162 <br /> <br />Locations that are directly flooded experience the greatest economic impact. In these areas, renovations <br />of commercial buildings may be necessary, disrupting associated services. Significant damage may <br />occur in agricultural areas, with the destruction of crops and other agricultural products. The tourism <br />industry may be affected by major flood events, as popular vacation areas tend to overlap flood hazard <br />zones. Finally, flooding can cause extensive damage to public utilities and disruptions to delivery of <br />services. Loss of power and communications may occur; and drinking water and wastewater treatment <br />facilities may be temporarily out of operation. <br /> <br />Changes in Development and Impact of Future Development: Changes in development have <br />minimally increased (4% or less) the vulnerability of Kittitas County to floods. Future development may <br />slightly increase (between 5% and 9%) the impact of floods within Kittitas County. <br /> <br />Underserved and At Risk Population: The underserved and at risk population face unique <br />vulnerabilities and impacts as a result of flooding. These groups include, but are not limited to, race and <br />ethnic minorities, low-income population, people with limited English proficiency, the elderly population, <br />individuals with no high school diploma, and those with access and functional needs. The low income <br />population and minority population are more likely to reside in high flood prone areas. Additionally, low <br />income populations have been shown to be less likely to evacuate in response to warning systems. <br />Minorities and individuals with limited English proficiency may have limited access to information and <br />resources designed to prevent or mitigate flooding risk due to language or cultural differences. Individuals <br />with no high school diploma are more likely to receive lower hourly wages and have less wealth; therefore, <br />they may be forced to live in less desirable areas (e.g., highly flood prone areas). The elderly and <br />individuals with access and functional needs may require additional assistance to evacuate and take the <br />appropriate precautions before, during, and after a flooding incident.163F <br />163 <br /> <br /> <br />161 Access. (2020). Study: 40% of Businesses Fail to Reopen After a Disaster. Retrieved from <br />https://www.accesscorp.com/press-coverage/study-40-percent-businesses-fail-reopen-disaster/. <br />162 Washington State Employment Security Department. (2022). Kittitas County Profile. Retrieved from <br />https://esd.wa.gov/labormarketinfo/county-profiles/kittitas. <br />163 Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Climate Change and Social Vulnerability in the United States: A <br />Focus on Six Impacts. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/cira/social-vulnerability-report.