Flood Protection

About this measure: This measure describes the flood hazard risks reduced through the King County flood protection program. King County's flood protection program went through a significant transition in 2007 with formation of the countywide Flood Control District.

2010 results: During 2010 the focus was on long-term levee rehabilitation projects, including project design and property acquisitions necessary to implement high-priority flood risk reduction projects throughout King County. The work continues to be directed by prioritization policies in the 2006 Flood Plan which focus on the consequence, severity, and urgency of flood risks while recognizing the potential for partnerships to leverage FCD funds.

Influencing Factors: King County's advance in flood protection was influenced by the participation, involvement and support of cities through the Basin Technical Committees and the Advisory Committee, as well as actions by the KCFCD Board of Supervisors.

Strategy Going Forward: For 2011 this measure ("Ensure capital priorities are implemented on budget and on schedule") will be amended into two separate measures:

1. Percentage of baseline capital projects on schedule;
2. Percentage of baseline capital projects within 110% of baseline costs.

Then intent of the change is to provide information to the Flood District Board of Supervisors and other decision-makers with more discretely measurable indicator of program status.

Background: During 2007 King County took several significant steps to identify and respond to the flood hazards facing our communities. First, in January 2007, the King County Council adopted the 2006 Flood Hazard Management Plan, updating the 1993 Flood Hazard Reduction Plan. This Plan includes an evaluation of flood hazard vulnerabilities and an action plan of capital projects and programmatic activities intended to reduce flood risks throughout the County.

Following adoption of the Plan, the Council then authorized the formation of the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) under RCW 86.15, including the voluntary establishment of an Advisory Committee of 15 elected officials to provide the KCFCD Board of Supervisors with expert policy advice on the District's work program priorities and budget. The Advisory Committee is supported by King County staff with input and recommendations from Basin Technical Committees comprised of public works and planning officials from cities throughout the County.

Water and land resources division capital improvement project locations
2005 - 2009
Click on each river name to download a detailed PDF map.