King County Flood Control District Takes Major Step on Future of the Green River

September 11, 2024

On Tuesday, the King County Flood Control District took a major step in the creation of a flood reduction plan for the Lower Green River that will not only protect people and property from flooding but also improve salmon habitat and water quality, expand recreational opportunities, and honor the reserved rights of tribes.

In a unanimous vote, the Board approved Supervisor Dave Upthegrove’s motion to develop a work plan and budget for a Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan that will provide an integrated and reasonable long-term approach to reduce flood risk while also supporting habitat restoration, salmon recovery, clean water, economic development, agriculture, and recreation. Importantly, when designing these projects, the District will ensure that equity, social justice, and environmental justice are considered and that tribal treaty rights are respected.

“Over the past five years, we have been working on a Preliminary Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) which received over 2,400 comments from South King County community members, tribes, environmentalists, business leaders, and local governments,” said Supervisor Dave Upthegrove, who also represents South King County on the King County Council. "Upon accepting the final PEIS, we immediately acted to move forward on a planning process that will ensure communities along the river are protected from flooding while also encouraging habitat restoration, economic viability and recreational opportunities. By using this integrated floodplain management approach, we will create a safer and more livable Lower Green River for our community to enjoy well into the future.”

The King County Flood Control District is a special purpose district that provides funding and policy oversight for flood risk capital reduction projects and programs in King County. The Flood Control District’s Board of Supervisors is its primary governing body and is composed of the members of the Metropolitan King County Council.