The city of Kent will receive nearly $7 million from the King County Flood Control District next year to help pay for levee projects along the Green River.
The flood control district on Monday gave its support to projects focused on preventing flooding in the Green River Valley in the unanimously adopted 2017 budget. Flood district Chair Reagan Dunn was joined by district Vice Chair Dave Upthegrove in announcing the Green River projects receiving funding as part of the adopted $71.5 million budget.
“I am proud of the work done by the King County Flood Control District and our local partners,” said Dunn in a media release. “These projects focus on reducing the risk of flooding in the Green River Valley and would not be possible without the collaborative relationship between King County and our city partners. I look forward to seeing this work move forward to better protect our residents and businesses.”
“I’m proud to support this budget because it prioritizes keeping people safe and also manages to restore habitat for salmon and other wildlife,” Upthegrove said. “By our vote (Monday), we’re funding many critical levy improvement projects along the Green River to reduce flood risk and protect the homes and businesses in the Kent Valley.”
The flood control district is working in collaboration with local jurisdictions as part of a regional effort to address flooding on the Lower Green River.
“The city of Kent is grateful to the King County Flood Control District for investing in projects along the Green River that provide recreational opportunities for people, enhance habitat for fish, birds and animals, and protect one-eighth of the state’s economy from flooding,” said Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke. “The Lower Russell Road levee project is a great example of how we can accomplish all three goals when we think creatively and work together.”
The flood district is funded by a county property tax of 13 cents per $1,000 assessed valuation.
Projects receiving funding include improvements and additions to flood prone areas including the Signature Pointe, Lower Russell Road and Breda Setback levees in Kent.
• The Signature Pointe Levee does not meet standards set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for flood level free board. The project will receive $300,000 to develop an alternative to achieve increased flood protection and embankment in a manner that can be certified and accredited.
• More than $5 million was set aside for ongoing work to remove and replace the existing flood containment system of levee and revetments on the Lower Russell Road. This project, located on the right (east) bank of the Green River between South 212th Street and South 228th Street/Veterans Drive, focuses on creating a flood protection system that balances habitat restoration, trail and landscape opportunities and reduces the risk for long-term maintenance costs.
• The Breda Setback, a segment of the Horseshoe Bend Levee, will receive nearly $1.7 million to continue work focused on reconstructing a portion of the levee with the lowest safety rating. Improvements to this segment will reduce flood risk to the surrounding areas. The project will also raise the levee’s elevations to contain the 500-year flood.
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