By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) is proud to highlight the successful completion of the Factoria Boulevard Stormwater Conveyance Improvements Project—a vital infrastructure upgrade that enhances flood protection, supports local businesses, and promotes environmental sustainability in Bellevue’s Factoria neighborhood.
“The Factoria Boulevard Stormwater Conveyance Improvements Project exemplifies our commitment to protecting communities from the increasing threats of flooding,” said Reagan Dunn, Chair of the King County Flood Control District. “By investing in resilient infrastructure along Factoria Boulevard and adding enhancements to Richards Creek, we safeguard both residents and local economies while also improving the local environment.”
Tackling a History of Flooding
Factoria Boulevard has long been susceptible to severe flooding during major storms, most notably in August 2014, when nearly four feet of water inundated the area, disrupting traffic and damaging businesses. Recognizing the increasing frequency of such events due to climate change, the KCFCD, in partnership with the City of Bellevue, initiated a comprehensive stormwater infrastructure project to mitigate future flooding risks.
Claudia Balducci, King County Flood Control District Supervisor for District 6 stated, “Factoria residents have dealt with flood risks for too long. I’m glad to be a King County Flood Control District Supervisor and to support projects like this one that fix ongoing flooding concerns and also contribute to the long-term health and sustainability of our urban environments.”
Infrastructure Improvements
The KCFCD authorized funding for the Factoria Boulevard Stormwater Conveyance Improvements Project of $6,814,000 in the 2021 and 2022 annual budgets and work plan. In the 2025 annual budget, the KCFCD increased the project budget by $3,100,000, authorizing funding not to exceed $9,914,000 for construction of the project.
The project involved replacing an undersized stormwater pipe with a larger concrete storm box conveyance system beneath the northbound lanes of Factoria Boulevard Southeast, adjacent to the Factoria Village commercial area. Additionally, enhancements to Richards Creek included channel widening, vegetation plantings, and fish habitat features, contributing to both flood mitigation and environmental preservation.
Community Engagement and Celebration
Throughout the construction period, the City of Bellevue maintained open communication with residents and businesses, hosting community events to provide updates and gather feedback. Upon completion, the city celebrated with a “Visit and Shop Factoria Day” on December 7, 2024, thanking the community for their patience and support during the project.
“The Factoria Boulevard Stormwater Project demonstrates the power of partnership,” said Bellevue mayor Lynne Robinson. “We’re deeply thankful to the Flood Control District for their critical support, which helped us deliver long-term flood protection for our businesses and safeguards for our community.”
A Model for Future Initiatives
The Factoria Boulevard Stormwater Conveyance Improvements Project stands as a testament to effective collaboration between local government and the KCFCD. It serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at enhancing urban resilience against climate-induced challenges.
For more information on this project, visit the City of Bellevue’s project page.
