WESTPORT, Wash. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency is awarding nearly $16 million in grant funding for the City of Westport build a tsunami evacuation tower.
When asked for his reaction to this investment, Westport City Administrator Kevin Goodrich said he felt “relieved." Goodrich started working on the federal funding request in 2017.
The 50-foot high structure, providing a safe place for more than 1,000 people during a tsunami, could be open to the public in 2026, Goodrich said.
”I think it’s our duty to come up with ways to protect our citizens and our visitors,” said Goodrich. “It just seems like we’d be negligent if we don’t make it our priority.”
Goodrich said the city is looking at making the shelter the centerpiece of a public park, which will allow for concerts, farmers markets or operate as a wedding venue.
“This is your view here, kind of neat,” said Goodrich, pointing out toward the Pacific Ocean.
The total grant is $16.7 million, but state and local funding needs to cover ten percent of the funding, according to the state’s Emergency Management Department.