Vote comes in response to deadly Texas floods; Board aims to increase education, early warnings, and community engagement
Photo Credit for above image: Jack Morgan/TPR
In a unanimous vote today, the King County Flood Control District (District) Board of Supervisors approved Chair Reagan Dunn’s Motion FCD25-05, directing the District to expand its flood preparedness outreach and education programs and best management practices for flood risk reduction. The action follows the devastating flash floods in Texas Hill Country that have claimed more than 100 lives and left dozens missing.
The approved motion calls for immediate steps to enhance community awareness and preparedness in King County, including:
- Broadening the content of the annual Be Flood Ready brochure to include more comprehensive information about all types of flooding, including flash flooding;
- Translating materials into additional languages to reach more residents;
- Partnering with Community Navigators to improve distribution across vulnerable communities;
- Developing and distributing a flood preparedness video via social media, King County TV, and other platforms; and
- Reviewing opportunities to improve early warning and alert systems.
Board Chair Reagan Dunn expressed support for the motion and solidarity with those affected by recent disasters.
“Our hearts are with the residents of the Texas Hill Country as they grieve the lives lost and begin the long road to recovery. Their tragedy is a sobering reminder of the importance of preparedness,” said Chair Dunn. “I deeply appreciate my board colleagues for taking swift and unanimous action today. By expanding our flood warning and education efforts, we are doubling down on our commitment to help protect lives and property across King County.”
Flooding remains the most common and costly natural disaster in King County, with 29 federally declared disasters since 1956. Smaller flood events occur almost annually, posing significant risks to residents, infrastructure, and the environment.
“We are holding those who’ve lost loved ones to this terrible tragedy in our hearts, and we feel the full weight of our responsibility as elected officials to prevent and prepare our communities for a similar catastrophic event in King County,” said Vice Chair Sarah Perry. “This motion renews our commitment to flood preparedness and to protecting the health and safety of our communities.”
For more information about the King County Flood Control District and the District’s flood risk reduction projects and programs and flood preparedness efforts, visit: www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org.
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 King County 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. It will accomplish this vision 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.