By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
On October 30, at the 2024 National Association of Flood & Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA) Annual Conference, the King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) received two prestigious awards. The KCFCD won first place in both the Innovative Water Project Award for the Lower Russell Levee Setback Project and the Excellence in Communications Award for the Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS). These awards reflect KCFCD’s commitment to forward-thinking flood protection solutions, environmental restoration, and inclusive community engagement.
Sunny Simpkins, NAFSMA’s Executive Director, said of KCFCD’s award-winning submissions, “The King County Flood Control District is doing amazing, innovative work on both multi-benefit projects and communications! NAFSMA appreciates KCFCD sharing their success with all of us so we can advance flood risk reduction that benefits the whole community.”
Judges of the Innovative Water Project Award commented:
- What an amazing project! This project checks all of the boxes for innovative project of the year. The incorporation of multiple benefits, extensive outreach, and incorporation of input from all stakeholders while also meeting stringent flood control needs and permitting requirements is to be commended. Excellent project and application!
- Project included many diverse benefits: flood protection, additional habitat, enhancement of endangered species (Chinook Salmon & Steelhead), retention of cultural heritage, much improved park, trail improvements, environmental justice and water quality through additional wetlands.
The judges of the Excellence in Communications Award said:
- Like that the goals are so comprehensive – include equity, economy, people, environment.
- Incredible model for real, equitable community engagement to meet people where they are and make these topics relevant. Loved the use of Community Navigators to engage hard-to-reach populations. Also impressive to translate materials into 8 languages.
- The use of the discussion form with community members is a great example of co-creation, especially since the Community Navigators then circled back to show them where their input was incorporated. It’s also fantastic that community members were compensated for their time/energy/thoughts.
- Loved the recognition of community and equity!
- Outstanding, innovative campaign with a clear, accessible suite of materials. A brilliant and highly effective community engagement strategy.
“I am incredibly proud that the King County Flood Control District is receiving national recognition for our excellence and innovation in protecting people and property from the damages and dangers of flooding,” said Chair Reagan Dunn. “The awarded projects, the Lower Russell Levee Setback Project and the Lower Green River Corridor Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement, represent the District’s efforts to integrate safety, environmental stewardship, and community engagement into flood management, setting a standard for future projects throughout King County and across the nation.”
Innovative Water Project Award: Lower Russell Levee Setback Project
The Lower Russell Levee Setback Project, a nearly $58 million investment located in Kent, Washington, was recognized for its groundbreaking approach to flood risk management. The project not only meets but exceeds flood protection standards, ensuring long-term resilience for a region responsible for one-eighth of Washington state’s GDP. By upgrading 1.4 miles of levee and revetment to withstand a 500-year flood event, this project safeguards critical infrastructure, businesses, and homes. However, the benefits go far beyond flood protection.
Key Benefits of the Project:
- Enhanced Flood Protection: Engineered to withstand a 0.2 percent annual chance flood (aka 500-year flood event), this state-of-the-art levee system provides unmatched protection to the area, offering peace of mind and safety for communities and businesses alike.
- Ecological Restoration: The project reconnected over 40 acres of floodplain and planted more than 30 acres of native vegetation, creating a flourishing habitat for juvenile salmon and steelhead. The 18 acres of specialized rearing and refuge areas promote fish populations, supporting ecological health and biodiversity in the Green River.
- Cultural and Educational Features: The KCFCD worked closely with five Tribes to ensure that the project respectfully incorporated culturally significant elements.
- Comprehensive Recreational Facilities: The project transformed Van Doren’s Landing Park, adding ADA-accessible playgrounds, picnic shelters, a zipline, sports courts, and a viewing tower. Connecting to the Green River Trail, this vibrant recreational space now offers something for everyone, from active sports to tranquil nature walks.
- Collaboration and Partnership: The success of the project is largely due to collaboration with local tribes, government agencies, environmental organizations, and community members. This partnership approach has enriched the project’s design, broadened its benefits, and contributed to the positive impact on the community.
Overcoming challenges such as complex engineering requirements and environmental regulations, the project demonstrates how careful planning, inclusive engagement, and innovation can create a project that provides robust flood protection while also revitalizing the local environment and enhancing community spaces.
Excellence in Communications Award: Engaging the Community in Flood Awareness
The Excellence in Communications Award for the Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan PEIS highlights KCFCD’s dedication to transparent, inclusive communication and public involvement. With a strong focus on equity and social justice, the KCFCD went above and beyond to engage diverse communities, ensuring their voices were heard in the development of this comprehensive flood hazard management plan.
Key Elements of the PEIS Communication Strategy:
- Inclusive Engagement Through Community Navigators: To ensure the PEIS process was accessible and relevant to all, KCFCD partnered with trusted Community Navigators—leaders from within the communities—who provided cultural and linguistic expertise. The Navigators helped KCFCD develop and distribute translated materials in eight languages, making essential information accessible to non-English-speaking residents.
- Public Input and Community Involvement: Using feedback forms, community fairs, farmers’ markets, and local gatherings, Navigators invited residents to share their insights on flood risks, community needs, and valued local assets. Participants received gift cards as a token of appreciation, acknowledging the importance of their contributions.
- Ongoing Relationships and Follow-Through: After releasing the Final PEIS, KCFCD and the Navigators returned to communities to demonstrate how public feedback had been incorporated, building trust and fostering an ongoing relationship. By engaging residents directly and incorporating their perspectives, KCFCD strengthened community trust and broadened understanding of flood awareness and prevention.
- Lessons Learned for Continuous Improvement: KCFCD also conducted a “lessons learned” session with the Navigators to improve engagement strategies. This valuable exercise will continue to inform KCFCD’s approach, making future communication efforts even more impactful.
When informed of the award, Community Navigator Vicky Navarro responded, “This award isn’t just for me—it’s for every community member we serve. Thank you to my fellow Navigators, Cynthia, Emma, Linda, and Tammy, for all the dedication and heart you’ve brought to this work. Here’s to many more achievements together!”
Celebrating Achievement and Looking Forward
These awards underscore KCFCD’s commitment to protecting King County’s residents, infrastructure, and ecosystems. The Lower Russell Levee Setback Project showcases the District’s ability to implement large-scale, multi-benefit projects that address flood protection, ecological restoration, cultural preservation, and recreational needs. Meanwhile, the Excellence in Communications Award highlights the importance of equitable community engagement, ensuring all voices are included in shaping a safe and resilient future for King County.
“We are deeply honored to receive these awards from NAFSMA, and we extend our sincere gratitude for this recognition,” said Executive Director Michelle Clark. “These achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of our team, our partners, and the community members who engage with us. Winning for both Innovation in Water Projects and Excellence in Communications reaffirms our commitment to continue developing forward-thinking projects that safeguard and enhance our region, while ensuring that clear, inclusive communication remains at the heart of all we do.”
As KCFCD continues to advance its mission, these award-winning projects set a new standard for flood management, enhancing the quality of life and safety for all King County residents.