By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
Every Labor Day, we pause to recognize the people whose hard work strengthens our communities and improves our quality of life. Some of those contributions are easy to see. Others happen quietly, behind the scenes, without fanfare or public recognition.
At the King County Flood Control District, Labor Day is an opportunity to recognize a group of professionals whose work often goes unnoticed, but whose impact is felt every day: the operations and maintenance (O&M) staff of King County’s Water and Land Resources Division.
These dedicated public servants inspect, maintain, repair, and improve the flood risk reduction infrastructure that helps protect hundreds of thousands of residents, businesses, roads, utilities, and critical public facilities throughout King County. Their work keeps our communities safer, our rivers functioning as intended, and our region better prepared for the next storm.
Protecting Infrastructure That Helps Protect Us
Flood risk reduction doesn’t begin when heavy rain starts falling. It is a year-round commitment.
King County’s O&M crews maintain an extensive network of flood risk reduction facilities, including levees, revetments, floodwalls, pump stations, drainage systems, flap gates, and other critical infrastructure. They inspect these facilities for signs of erosion, seepage, settlement, animal burrows, vegetation issues, and other conditions that could compromise their performance during high-water events.
Routine maintenance, like clearing debris, repairing erosion, managing vegetation, servicing mechanical equipment, and responding to changing river conditions, helps ensure these facilities are ready when they are needed most.
This work may not always be visible to the public, but it is essential to reducing flood risk across King County.
Rising to an Extraordinary Challenge
This year, the responsibilities of King County’s O&M staff have extended well beyond their normal maintenance program.
Following the historic December 2025 floods, crews have been working diligently to repair flood protection facilities damaged during one of the most significant flood events in recent memory. These repairs are critical to restoring the resilience of the Green River flood risk reduction system before the next flood season, which begins, right around the corner, in October. Among the projects currently underway are repairs to:
- Myers Golf Levee (including three separate repairs to this levee)
- Signature Pointe Levee
- Reddington Levee
- Cedar River Trail 7
These projects require careful engineering, environmental stewardship, coordination with multiple agencies, and countless hours of skilled field work. While many residents may never see these repair sites firsthand, they will benefit from the flood risk reduction these restored facilities provide for years to come.
A Partnership That Protects Communities
The King County Flood Control District provides the funding that makes this work possible, investing in the maintenance, repair, and long-term stewardship of the county’s flood risk reduction system.
But funding alone cannot inspect a levee, repair erosion, operate a pump station, or restore a damaged flood facility. That work is accomplished every day by dedicated King County employees whose expertise, professionalism, and commitment to public service help protect lives and property across the county.
Whether responding after a major flood, preparing for the next storm, or performing the routine maintenance that prevents small problems from becoming major ones, these crews demonstrate the very best of public service. Their efforts often occur in difficult weather, challenging terrain, and demanding conditions, yet they approach every task with skill, pride, and an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve.
Thank You for Your Service
This Labor Day, the King County Flood Control District proudly celebrates the hardworking operations and maintenance professionals whose dedication strengthens the county’s flood risk reduction system every day.
Their work is measured not only by the facilities they maintain, but by the neighborhoods they help protect, the families who remain safe, and the communities that continue to thrive because of their efforts.
While the King County Flood Control District is proud to fund this vital work, it is the talented and committed King County staff who make it happen. Their expertise, perseverance, and tireless dedication are the foundation of the flood risk reduction system.
On behalf of the King County Flood Control District, thank you to all the operations and maintenance professionals for your outstanding service, your professionalism, and your commitment to protecting the people of King County, not just on Labor Day, but every day of the year.
This September 7th, we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day. If you happen to be out celebrating along a river in King County, maybe you can take a moment too and silently thank the dedicated professionals who help maintain the levees and revetments that help make possible many parks and trails along the rivers throughout the county.