By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) is thrilled to announce that the Lower Russell Levee Setback Project in Kent has received the 2024 King County Executive’s John D. Spellman Award for Exemplary Achievement in Historic Preservation in the Preservation Partnerships category. This prestigious recognition honors the extraordinary collaboration and innovative efforts undertaken to preserve the cultural and historic significance of the Green River Valley while achieving critical flood risk reduction and ecological restoration goals.
The award, presented by King County Executive Dow Constantine at the Kenmore Community Club on December 10, celebrates projects that exemplify excellence in historic preservation. The Lower Russell Levee Setback Project is a shining example of how modern infrastructure can harmoniously integrate flood protection, habitat restoration, recreation, and cultural preservation.
An Innovative and Collaborative Approach
At its core, the $58 million Lower Russell Levee Setback Project reimagines flood risk management. By replacing and upgrading 1.4 miles of levee and reconnecting over 40 acres of floodplain, the project not only ensures robust protection against a 500-year flood event but also revitalizes the ecological health of the Green River.
A key component of the project’s success was its deep commitment to honoring the cultural and historical significance of the area. Collaboration with regional tribes, including the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, and Tulalip Tribes, played an integral role in the project’s development.
Honoring the Team Behind the Success
The Spellman Award specifically recognizes the collective contributions of the following individuals and organizations who brought this vision to life:
- Michelle Clark, King County Flood Control District
- Lorin Reinelt, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Water and Land Resources Division
- Warren KingGeorge, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Preservation Department
- Dennis Lewarch & Stephanie Trudel, Suquamish Tribe, Fisheries Department, Archaeology and Historic Preservation Program
- Brian Levenhagen, City of Kent, Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department & Toby Hallock, City of Kent, Public Works Department
This team’s dedication to collaboration ensured the success of a project that seamlessly integrated cultural heritage into a modern flood protection framework.
Leadership Reflections
Reagan Dunn, Chair of the King County Flood Control District, expressed his pride in the recognition of the project, stating, “The Lower Russell Levee Setback Project is a shining example of how flood mitigation projects can protect lives and property while honoring the cultural and historical legacies of our region. This award reflects the dedication and hard work of Michelle Clark and all the project partners. I, along with the entire Board of Supervisors, am particularly proud of the positive impact this project has for the residents of Kent and King County.”
Michelle Clark, Executive Director of the Flood Control District, highlighted the spirit of partnership that defined the project by saying, “I am deeply honored to receive this award on behalf of the incredible team that made the Lower Russell Levee Setback Project a reality. This achievement would not have been possible without the collaboration of our tribal, federal, city, and county partners. Together, we not only improved flood protection for the community but also preserved and celebrated the cultural and historical significance of this area for future generations.”
The City of Kent was a vital partner helping the project reach its successful conclusion. In speaking about the project’s most recent recognition, Mayor Dana Ralph said, “The City of Kent was very happy to partner with the King County Flood Control District and coordinate with the stakeholders on this valuable Green River Project to preserve the irreplaceable cultural resources that were on the project site. The history of this area and its people is an incredible story, and we sincerely appreciate being a part of the team that was able to learn about this story through this project. Thank you to King County for the recognition of the time and energy that was dedicated to the cultural preservation work by the City, the King County Flood Control District, the Muckleshoot and Suquamish Indian Tribes, and King County, through the John D. Spellman Historic Preservation Award.”
A Model for the Future
The Lower Russell Levee Setback Project represents a new standard for multi-benefit infrastructure projects. By prioritizing collaboration and integrating flood protection with ecological, cultural, and recreational goals, it serves as a blueprint for sustainable development.
KCFCD is committed to continuing its work on innovative projects that protect communities while preserving the history and heritage of King County. The recognition from the John D. Spellman Award underscores the importance of partnerships in achieving these vital goals.
Earlier this year, the Lower Russell Levee Setback Project was also recognized with a national award, first place in the Innovative Water Project Award presented by the National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA). You can also read more about the ecosystem restoration and other aspects of the Lower Russell Levee Setback Project in our blog celebrating American Wetlands Month.