By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) is proud to announce the development of the Issaquah Creek Capital Investment Strategy (CIS), a comprehensive plan aimed at reducing flood risks in the Issaquah Creek Basin while delivering multiple social and environmental benefits to our communities. This initiative is a proactive step towards safeguarding the region’s residents, infrastructure, and natural resources from the increasing threats posed by flooding events.
Understanding the Issaquah Creek Basin
Spanning approximately 52 square miles in central King County, the Issaquah Creek Basin is a diverse landscape that includes forests, farmlands, state parks, conservation areas, and rapidly growing urban centers like the City of Issaquah. The creek originates from the headwaters in Tiger Mountain and Taylor Mountain, flowing northward into Lake Sammamish. This basin is not only a vital ecological corridor but also a cherished space for recreation and community life.
In February 2020, the region experienced significant flooding along Issaquah Creek, leading to substantial damage to homes and public infrastructure. This event underscored the urgent need for a strategic approach to flood risk management in the area.
Goals of the Issaquah Creek Capital Investment Strategy
The goal of the Issaquah Creek CIS is to reduce flood risks in the Issaquah Creek Basin through an integrated floodplain management approach and consideration of multiple benefits.
The project objectives are to:
- Provide information and enhance programs that will help communities become aware of flood risks and will help communities prepare for and respond to floods.
- Develop a CIS to prioritize projects and programs that reduce flood risk in the Issaquah Creek Basin while providing multiple social and environmental benefits for communities.
- Identify potential partnerships and funding opportunities through public engagement and collaboration with those most at risk and vulnerable to floods.
The strategy will focus on the 100-year floodplain of Issaquah Creek, particularly targeting 41 river facilities, including levees and revetments, managed by King County along Issaquah Creek and portions of Holder and Fifteen Mile Creek. King County, as service provider to the KCFCD, is developing the Issaquah Creek CIS, building on previous and ongoing studies, including:
- Issaquah Creek Flood Study
- Issaquah Creek Channel Migration Zone Study
- East Fork and Mainstem Stream Evaluations (utilizing KCFCD Flood Reduction Grant funds provided to the City of Issaquah).
Community Engagement and Participation
Public input is a cornerstone of the CIS development process. The KCFCD is committed to a robust engagement strategy that includes public meetings, comment periods, focus groups, online engagement platforms, and participation in community events such as festivals and farmers markets. These efforts aim to ensure that the voices of those living, working, and recreating in the Issaquah Creek Basin are heard and integrated into the final strategy.
Stay Informed and Get Involved
“Developing Capital Investment Strategies like the one for Issaquah Creek is essential for proactive flood risk management,” said Michelle Clark, Executive Director of the King County Flood Control District. “The Issaquah Creek CIS represents our commitment to protecting communities, preserving natural habitats, and ensuring a resilient future for all residents in the basin.”
The development of the Issaquah Creek CIS is an ongoing process, with key milestones including data gathering, public engagement, and strategy drafting scheduled through 2026. Community members are encouraged to stay informed and participate in shaping the future of flood risk management in their area.
For more information and to sign up for updates, please visit the Issaquah Creek Capital Investment Strategy webpage.
Together, we can build a safer, more resilient Issaquah Creek Basin for generations to come.