King County Flood Control District Discusses Flood Risks and Mitigation for Lower Green River
During a recent King County Flood Control District meeting, updates on flood risk and mitigation efforts for the Lower Green River’s 21-mile corridor were presented. The area faces significant flooding threats, potentially impacting 27,000 residents and 28,000 jobs. The district is progressing towards a final Environmental Impact Statement, evaluating three flood mitigation approaches. Additionally, insights from a visit to Broward County, Florida, were shared, highlighting the importance of adapting to climate change and learning from other regions. Concerns about the Howard Hanson Dam’s integrity and FEMA’s response to previous flooding were also discussed.
A recent gathering of the King County Flood Control District shed light on the ongoing efforts to assess and mitigate flood risks along a critical 21-mile stretch of the Lower Green River, a region facing significant flooding threats. For those living and working in the Lower Green River Valley, the key message was the potential impact on tens of thousands of residents and jobs should a major flood occur. The district’s reports highlight that around 27,000 people and 28,000 jobs are in the danger zone.
The flood district is in the process of gathering public input and conducting studies as part of its preparation for a final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS). This document will outline the risks to homes and businesses and evaluate the costs, impacts, and benefits of three proposed flood mitigation strategies. These strategies also consider the effects on salmon recovery and the potential for increased recreational opportunities along the river. Notably, all proposed solutions aim to significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the event of a major flood.
In an effort to gain insights into effective flood mitigation strategies, two members of the Flood Control District recently visited Broward County, Florida. Chair Reagan Dunn and Supervisor Pete von Reichbauer met with local officials to discuss the challenges posed by rising sea levels and frequent intense storms. Following their visit, Dunn emphasized the importance of adapting to the rapidly evolving field of flood mitigation in response to climate change, highlighting the value of learning from the experiences of other regions. Reichbauer echoed this sentiment, advocating for the exchange of ideas and best practices to enhance local flood management strategies.
During a meeting on April 30, the Flood Control District revisited commitments made by the Army Corps of Engineers regarding the Howard Hanson Dam, constructed in 1961 to safeguard communities along the river. The dam’s capacity was tested in 2009 when heavy rains and snowmelt led to flooding, prompting federal intervention. This incident revealed structural concerns with the dam, leading to emergency measures such as reinforcing levees and upgrading infrastructure to prevent a potential disaster.
Despite efforts to secure Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reimbursement for these emergency measures, the county faced several rejections, with FEMA stating that the actions did not qualify under its Public Assistance Program. Moving forward, the District Board of Supervisors is considering the development of a Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan as a next step in their comprehensive flood risk management strategy.
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