By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
Since 2008, the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) has been setting aside 10% of its annual revenues to fund the Subregional Opportunity Fund Grant Program. This initiative is designed to help local jurisdictions throughout King County address flooding issues that are not directly connected to major rivers. The program empowers local governments to tackle localized flooding, stormwater management challenges, and watershed improvement projects that are critical to enhancing community safety and environmental sustainability.
What is the Subregional Opportunity Fund?
The Subregional Opportunity Fund allocates funds from the KCFCD’s tax levy to support projects in the 40 jurisdictions within King County. This fund is used for needed flood reduction efforts, stormwater control improvements, and watershed management activities. The program ensures that smaller, community-specific flood mitigation needs are met across the county.
“The Subregional Opportunity Fund is an essential tool for the King County Flood Control District because it enables us to partner with local jurisdictions to tackle flood mitigation projects that directly impact their communities,” said Reagan Dunn, King County Flood Control District Chair. “By providing dedicated funding, we ensure that cities and towns across King County have the resources they need to reduce localized flooding issues. This program allows us to be more responsive to the unique challenges each jurisdiction faces, protecting homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure from the threat of flooding.”
Currently, 10.23% of the KCFCD’s annual levy is set aside for this fund. In 2025, the projected allocation is over $6 million, subject to final approval by the KCFCD Board of Supervisors in the fall of 2024. These funds are distributed based on each jurisdiction’s assessed property values. Although these are estimates, they provide jurisdictions with the opportunity to plan for critical infrastructure improvements in flood-prone areas.
Projects Funded by the Subregional Opportunity Fund
The Subregional Opportunity Fund has provided critical support to many local projects aimed at reducing flooding and improving stormwater systems. Below are some examples of projects funded through this program:
Shoreline’s Pump Station 26 Replacement Project (Council District 1): With $452,506 in funding, this project is designed to replace and upgrade Pump Station 26 to prevent potential flooding of nearby roads, businesses, and residences. The pump station improvements are essential to maintaining the safety and functionality of the surrounding area.
District 1 Supervisor Rod Dembowski said, “The Subregional Opportunity Fund is vital for jurisdictions that aren’t located along King County’s major rivers but still face significant flooding challenges. Many communities experience localized flooding from stormwater or smaller streams, and this fund allows us to address those specific concerns. By providing targeted grant funding, we help ensure that all areas of the county, regardless of their proximity to major rivers, have the resources needed to protect residents, improve infrastructure, and reduce flood risks.”
Thornton Creek Natural Drainage Systems Project in Seattle (Council District 2): A $2.93 million allocation was granted to improve stormwater conveyance in the Thornton Creek watershed. Urbanization has significantly impacted the creek, leading to frequent flooding. This project provides new drainage infrastructure, improving water quality and reducing flooding risks in the area.
“The Subregional Opportunity Fund plays a crucial role in promoting equity across King County by addressing stormwater and flood mitigation needs in urban communities,” said Supervisor Girmay Zahilay, District 2. “Many of these areas face unique challenges, from aging infrastructure to the impacts of dense development, and this fund ensures that all jurisdictions—whether rural or urban—receive the support needed to reduce flood risks and protect public health. It’s a county-wide approach that makes sure every community, regardless of size or location, has the resources to build resilience against flooding.”
Broadview 12th Ave NW Drainage Improvements in Seattle (Council District 4): With $6.1 million in funding, this project addresses surface water flooding in the Mohlendorph drainage basin. The existing system is under-capacity, and improvements will reduce the risk of property damage, road flooding, and erosion in nearby creeks.
District 4 Supervisor Jorge L. Barón stated, “The Subregional Opportunity Fund is essential for helping local jurisdictions close critical funding gaps for stormwater and flood mitigation projects, especially in urban areas. Without this support, many of these important projects—projects that protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding—might not receive the funding they need. This program ensures that communities have the tools to address flooding risks and improve stormwater management, making our county more resilient for everyone.”
Luther Burbank Waterfront Drainage Project on Mercer Island (Council District 6): Mercer Island received $950,733 for the design and construction of a new drainage system at Luther Burbank Park. The project will manage surface and subsurface water to prevent flooding and sediment buildup in public spaces.
“The Subregional Opportunity Fund is a critical way for the King County Flood Control District to ensure that tax revenue is reinvested back into the communities that contribute to it,” said District 6 Supervisor Claudia Balducci. “By redistributing funds to local jurisdictions, we make sure that taxpayers across the county see tangible benefits from the flood mitigation projects their taxes support. This approach allows every community, from large urban cities to smaller rural towns, to address local flooding concerns and improve stormwater infrastructure, ensuring their safety and resilience.”
Boulevard Park Flood Reduction Project in Burien (Council District 8): With nearly $300,000 in funding, this project will address flooding that affects multiple properties within Burien. The project will improve stormwater conveyance, reducing flood risks for local residents.
“The Subregional Opportunity Fund is a vital resource for helping local jurisdictions implement flood mitigation, stormwater, and watershed management projects that often serve residents in underserved areas,” said Teresa Mosqueda, District 8 Supervisor. “By providing targeted funding to local jurisdictions, this program ensures that communities with the greatest needs—many of which are historically underserved—can access the resources to protect homes, improve infrastructure, and enhance environmental health. It’s a critical step toward building a safer, more equitable future for all residents across King County.”
Why the Subregional Opportunity Fund Matters
The Subregional Opportunity Fund is a critical tool for local jurisdictions to address flood-related challenges and improve stormwater management. By providing targeted funding for local projects, the program enhances community resilience and protects public infrastructure from the damaging effects of flooding. Furthermore, the fund allows for habitat and water quality improvements as long as the main focus remains on flood or stormwater management.
Each year, the KCFCD renews its commitment to supporting these local efforts, ensuring that communities across King County have the resources they need to reduce flood risks and enhance environmental sustainability.