By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) is making more than $14 million available in 2026 to support local projects that reduce flood risk, protect communities, and enhance the health of our rivers and shorelines.
Applications for the Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program open today (April 2, 2026) and must be submitted by May 22, 2026.
This competitive grant program supports a wide range of projects across King County, from improving stormwater systems in urban neighborhoods to restoring shorelines and replacing culverts that both reduce flooding and improve fish passage.
A Renewed Focus Following Historic Flooding
The 2026 grant cycle comes at a pivotal moment. Following the historic flooding of December 2025, the KCFCD is placing additional emphasis on projects that respond directly to recent flood impacts.
Applications that address the 2025/2026 flood season will receive additional consideration during the scoring process, reflecting the urgent need to strengthen resilience across King County.
Chair Reagan Dunn emphasized the importance of this focus:
“The historic flooding we experienced in December 2025 underscored the significance of prior flood risk reduction investments and the need to fund new repairs and recovery efforts. This year, we are prioritizing funding for projects that directly respond to the recent flooding impacts, helping communities recover, rebuild smarter, and better prepare for the future.”
What Types of Projects Are Eligible?
The program supports projects in four categories:
- Flood Reduction
- Urban Streams
- Coastal Erosion and Coastal Flooding
- Culvert Replacement and Fish Passage Restoration
Projects must directly address existing or potential flooding while delivering broader public benefits, such as protecting infrastructure, improving water quality, restoring habitat, or maintaining safe access to homes and businesses.
Examples of eligible projects include:
- Upgrading aging or undersized stormwater systems
- Addressing flooding from creeks, lakes, and blocked drainage systems
- Relocating or protecting structures in coastal flood zones
- Replacing culverts to improve flow and restore fish passage
The KCFCD encourages projects that deliver multiple benefits, reflecting its commitment to resilience, equity, and environmental stewardship.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Cities and towns in King County
- Tribes
- Non-profit organizations
- Special purpose districts
- King County agencies
Homeowner associations and schools may also apply under the Flood Reduction category.
Funding Details and Support
- Total funding available: At least $14 million
- Award size: No minimum or maximum (past awards range from $10,000 to $1.5 million)
- Matching funds: Encouraged but not required
- Project timeline: Funds must be spent within 36 months of signing the agreement
An online informational meeting will be held on April 15 from 2–3:30 p.m., including a walkthrough of the application portal and Spanish interpretation.
Building a More Resilient King County
Each year, the Flood Reduction Grant Program supports dozens of projects that reduce flood risks and strengthen communities. In 2025 alone, 35 projects were funded across King County, helping address local flooding challenges while improving ecosystems and infrastructure.
As climate change continues to intensify weather patterns, programs like this are essential to building a future where thriving communities and healthy ecosystems coexist in harmony with our rivers.
A Program Built on Legacy and Looking Ahead – Apply Today
In 2024, the KCFCD renamed this program to honor Steve Bleifuhs, a dedicated public servant whose nearly three decades of work helped shape flood hazard management in King County and contributed to the creation of the KCFCD itself.
Today, the program continues his legacy by investing in practical, community-driven solutions that protect people, property, and the environment.
Applications for the Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program open April 2 and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on May 22, 2026.
To learn more, attend the information session, or begin your application, visit the Steven Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grants webpage.
Together, we can reduce flood risks, protect our communities, and build a more resilient King County.