The King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors today unanimously adopted a 2015 Budget that ensures that needed flood control projects will continue even as the district prepares for long-range work that will protect King County residents and businesses.

The $55.6 million budget will pay for work underway along the Green River, Cedar River, White River and the Snoqualmie River Basins. It will also fund the implementation of river corridor plans that are part of the comprehensive approach the Flood District has taken to protect these vital waterways.

“The District has undertaken a rigorous work plan for the coming year,” said Flood District Chair Reagan Dunn. “This budget positions the Flood Control District to focus and prioritize on projects that uphold our obligation of protecting King County residents and businesses from flooding.”

“This vote demonstrates our continued commitment to reduce the risk of flooding to those living in all corners of King County,” said Flood District Vice Chair Larry Gossett. “The storms over the last week show that regardless of where you live – in a city or rural King County, in or outside of the floodplain – the dangers and risk of flooding are an everyday part of our lives. I’m proud that the King County Flood Control District is working hard to improve the lives and protect property.”

A number of projects will continue to move forward as a result of this budget including the gravel removal in the Cedar River, which is being led by the City of Renton.  This $5.3 million project will remove approximately 125,000 cubic yards of accumulated sediment from the river channel in 2015. This work ensures that, sites like the Boeing 737 production facility at the Renton Municipal Airport will be protected from flooding events.

“Voting for these important flood protection and habitat restoration projects presents a proud moment for our region,” said Supervisor Larry Phillips. “Funding these public safety and habitat restoration projects allows us to press forward on our region’s vital salmon recovery goals while easing flood risks.”

“Preventing and mitigating flood damage is a critical role of local government, and I was pleased to support funding for our regional flood control projects,” said Flood Control Supervisor Rod Dembowski.  “In District 1, nearly $2 million will be spent next year to mitigate recurring flooding that adversely impacts important transportation connections, homeowners, as well as repair our stormwater infrastructure, and improve fish passage in the north part of King County.”

Also funded in the 2015 budget are programs that will help elevate homes and provide farm pads for livestock along the Snoqualmie River corridors.

“I’m happy to see that, in this year’s budget, we will have the funding to continue with our plan of providing home elevations and farm pads for those whose property is in danger of flooding,” said Supervisor Kathy Lambert. “They are critical infrastructure in the Snoqualmie Valley and we will be able to complete more this year than ever before.”

“The 2015 Flood Control District budget passed today with projects in Beaux Arts, Bellevue, Hunts Point, Kirkland, Medina, Redmond and Yarrow Point,” said Supervisor Jane Hague. These projects support the management of shorelines, creeks, and storm water.”

The cities in the Green River Valley will also benefit from this budget. Projects like the Briscoe-Desimone Levee improvements and the Russell Road upper levee improvements will reconstruct the existing system of levee and revetments along the right (east) bank of the Green River between S 212th St and river mile S 231st Way in the City of Kent in order to provide long-term flood protection and improve riparian and aquatic habitat.

These vital safety projects will safeguard countless businesses, homes and infrastructure in the Green River Valley, a major economic hub within King County and the region.

“This budget supports many important projects in our county, including eight projects along the Green River,” said Supervisor Dave Upthegrove.  “I am pleased to see the District continue to make sound investments in protecting homes and businesses from the devastating impacts of flooding.”Along with approving the budget, the Board of Supervisors adopted the 2015 work program, six-year capital improvement program, oversight budget, water resource inventory area funding, flood reduction fund grant funding, and sub-regional opportunity fund project list.