News Release: October 8, 2024
The King County Flood Control District (District) Board of Supervisors has approved two key actions to advance flood protection and honor a distinguished leader in flood hazard management. At its latest meeting on October 8, the Board approved over $13.9 million in Flood Reduction Grants for 2024, while also taking steps to memorialize Steve Bleifuhs by renaming the Flood Reduction Grant Program in his honor.
Honoring the Legacy of Steve Bleifuhs
Prior to approving the 2024 Flood Reduction Grants, the District’s Board of Supervisors voted to rename the program to the Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program in honor of Steve Bleifuhs, a former King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks (DNRP) employee who passed away in July 2024.
“Steve Bleifuhs dedicated nearly three decades of his life to protecting the people and communities of King County from the dangers of flooding, and his leadership was instrumental in shaping the Flood Control District into what it is today,” said Reagan Dunn, Chair of the King County Flood Control District. “Renaming the Flood Reduction Grant Program in his honor is a fitting tribute because it ensures that Steve’s legacy of service and commitment to flood risk reduction will continue to benefit future generations. The projects funded by this program represent the very work Steve championed—protecting lives, property, and our environment—and we are proud to memorialize his extraordinary contributions in this meaningful way.”
Steve Bleifuhs was a cornerstone in the development of King County’s flood hazard management strategies. He was instrumental in the creation of the 2006 King County Flood Hazard Management Plan, a foundational document that led to the creation of the District and guided its efforts to protect lives, property, and vital economic infrastructure from the dangers of flooding. His nearly 30 years of service to King County also included close collaboration with the District, where he helped implement over 370 capital projects aimed at reducing flood risks.
The renaming of the Flood Reduction Grant Program to the Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program ensures that Steve’s legacy of public service and his commitment to flood protection live on. The projects funded through this program are the very types of community-centered initiatives that Steve championed throughout his career.
Approval of 2024 Flood Reduction Grants
The Flood Reduction Grant Program, created by the District in 2014, has provided vital funding for projects addressing flood risks across King County. Originally established to support smaller projects such as mitigating surface water overflows, near shore flooding, and clearing clogged agricultural drainage systems, the program expanded in 2020 to include grants focused on countywide issues such as urban streams, coastal erosion, and culvert replacement/fish passage restoration.
“The Flood Reduction Grant Program is a crucial tool for addressing the diverse and widespread flood risks throughout King County,” said Sarah Perry, Vice Chair of the King County Flood Control District. “Whether it’s mitigating flood hazards in our streams, addressing coastal erosion, or replacing culverts to improve fish passage and reduce flooding, this program helps protect communities, restore ecosystems, and enhance resilience. By funding these important projects, we’re ensuring that King County is better prepared for the impacts of flooding while also supporting environmental sustainability and public safety across the region.”
This year, the District received 38 applications requesting a total of $28.2 million in grant funding. After thorough review, the Board approved the unanimous recommendations of the review panel, awarding over $13.9 million to support 31 projects across the county. These projects range from urban stream restoration to culvert replacement and will mitigate flooding risks while also promoting environmental sustainability and equity. The program remains a key part of the District’s budget, accounting for over 20% of the District’s 2024 revenue generation.
The review panel, consisting of King County Water and Land Resources Division Director Josh Baldi, former state representative and Enumclaw city councilmember Morgan Irwin, and District Executive Director Michelle Clark, ensured that funding prioritized geographic equity, social justice, and partnerships with other grant opportunities. This year’s awardees include cities, non-profits, homeowner associations, and special purpose districts, highlighting the broad community support for flood risk reduction efforts.
For more information about the Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program, please visit https://kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/.
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About the King County Flood Control District:
The King County Flood Control District is a countywide special purpose district created in 2007 to provide flood risk reduction capital projects and programs to the residents of King County. The Flood Control District is building a future to withstand flood risks where thriving King County communities and healthy ecosystems coexist in harmony with area rivers. This vision is accomplished by implementing flood risk reduction policies and projects to protect life and property while advancing various benefits including equity and social justice, sustainable livelihoods, habitat protection, salmon recovery, recreation, and resilient communities.