By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) is pleased to announce that the Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan (Plan) has been developed and is now available.
The Plan provides a long-term roadmap for how the KCFCD will manage flood risks along the 21-mile stretch of the Lower Green River that runs through parts of Auburn, Kent, Renton, SeaTac, Tukwila, and unincorporated King County. Located within traditional Tribal territory, this corridor is home to a diverse community of nearly 30,000 residents, major employers, valuable farmland, life-saving medical facilities, vibrant community spaces, and critical transportation routes that connect people and goods throughout the region.
Flooding poses risks to people, property, infrastructure, jobs, and natural resources across the corridor. The Plan is designed to guide coordinated, long-term flood risk reduction efforts over the coming decades while helping protect the economy and environment.
A Long-Term Strategy for a Changing Floodplain
The Plan establishes an integrated, long-term approach to reducing flood risk while balancing multiple community priorities and desired outcomes.
It is guided by several core principles, including:
- Integrated floodplain management: A holistic, multi-benefit approach that balances flood risk reduction, environmental stewardship, and community needs.
- Long-term vision and commitment: A 30- to 50-year framework for sustainable flood management in the corridor.
- Collaboration: Continued engagement with Tribes, agencies, local governments, community members, and other partners to develop inclusive and effective solutions.
The Plan builds on the KCFCD’s Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), completed in April 2024. The PEIS was shaped by robust engagement, including outreach led by Community Navigators, who are trusted local leaders with deep community connections and insight.
Community and Partner Input Shaped the Plan
Input from those who live, work, travel, and invest in the Lower Green River Corridor was essential to shaping the Plan.
To support this engagement, the KCFCD formed a Partner Planning Committee where interested parties could learn about and discuss the Plan. Participation was open to everyone, including those new to flood planning processes. Committee members learned about key topics, discussed priorities, and identified opportunities for collaboration. The committee met four times between summer and fall 2025.
Community Navigators also played a vital role. These trusted community leaders continued engaging residents affected by flooding and helped ensure community voices were heard and information was accessible.
The KCFCD sincerely thanks everyone who contributed to this milestone, including those who provided thoughtful comments during the PEIS process and those who participated in the Plan Partner Planning Committee.
What Happens Next
The KCFCD’s Board of Supervisors is tentatively scheduled consider the Plan during by fall 2026. The Board may adopt the Plan as drafted, adopt it with revisions to reflect Board input, or defer action.
Following Board consideration, the KCFCD will develop a Capital Investment Strategy (CIS) to prioritize flood protection projects. The CIS will identify priority areas based on flood risk, while also considering cost, project readiness, and opportunities to deliver additional community and environmental benefits. Project implementation will proceed in alignment with the Plan and the adopted CIS.
Community members and partners are encouraged visit the KCFCD’s Lower Green River Planning webpage for updates and additional information.