Cities of Maple Valley and Covington Receive Funds to Address Flooding Concerns

October 4, 2016

Summary

“This funding will assist the City of Covington to continue work on preventing future flooding along SE 256th and keep the road safe and usable for residents”

Story

The King County Flood Control District (FCD) today approved funds for two key flood mitigation projects in the Cities of Maple Valley and Covington. Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, who chairs the county’s special purpose district, announced the funding after the unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors approving 21 2016 King County Flood Reduction Grant projects.

“The partnership between the Flood control District and the Cities of Covington and Maple Valley on flood mitigation projects is beneficial for residents impacted by flooding and the surrounding natural environments,” Dunn said. “I am glad these funds are going towards projects that work for both improved fish passage and King County residents.”

$200,000 will go towards the SE 256th St. Little Soos Creek Culvert Replacement Project in the City of Covington. The project seeks to replace twin 90’ long 36” concrete pipes, and address the culvert that currently lacks adequate structural integrity. This project would also design a fish passable replacement for the culvert that would also alleviate localized upstream flooding issues.

“This funding will assist the City of Covington to continue work on preventing future flooding along SE 256th and keep the road safe and usable for residents,” said
Covington Mayor Jeff Wagner. “Thanks to Councilmember Dunn for advocating for the funding for this project.”

Funding from the King County Flood Reduction Grant Program will award $295,000 to the Witte Road Project in the City of Maple Valley. The project will construct a new replacement culvert under SE 256th Street to alleviate a known flooding problem in addition to eliminating a fish passage barrier.

“I appreciate the work Councilmember Dunn is doing in collaboration with the City of Maple Valley to address flooding,” said Maple Valley Mayor Sean Kelly. “King County and the City of Maple Valley benefit from a great partnership.”

A total of $3.3 million in grants were awarded in 2016 for projects throughout King County. The funds were awarded on a competitive basis by the Flood Control District. Eligible applicants included homeowner associations, private non-profit organizations or associations, schools, special districts, tribes and King County jurisdictions.