By: Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
The King County Flood Control District (KCFCD) is moving forward with a critical effort to reduce flood risks while maximizing community, environmental, and economic benefits through the development of the Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan (Plan). The Lower Green River Corridor is home to over 70,000 residents and more than 100,000 jobs and stretches through one of the most densely populated and economically vital areas in King County—including the cities of Auburn, Kent, Renton, SeaTac, Tukwila, and unincorporated areas. It supports a regional economy anchored by major employers and essential infrastructure. Yet, this region also faces the persistent threat of flooding, which can endanger lives, homes, businesses, and ecosystems.
The Plan aims to address these risks head-on. Guided by the KCFCD, this comprehensive Plan will guide the identification and prioritization of investments in levees, revetments, and other flood protection infrastructure, while embracing a forward-thinking, multibenefit approach.
“Our goal is to protect people and property from flood risk while also improving habitat, supporting recreational access, and strengthening local economies,” said De’Sean Quinn, District 5 Supervisor of the King County Flood Control District. “The Lower Green River is not just a lifeline for commerce—it’s a vital natural resource that supports salmon recovery, provides places for people to connect with nature, and defines the cultural and environmental fabric of our region. We must find solutions that work for all these needs.”
A Track Record of Public Engagement
This new planning phase builds on the foundation laid during the development of the Lower Green River Corridor Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS)—an earlier phase of the process that earned national recognition for outstanding public outreach. The PEIS summary is available here, or for a deeper dive, you can review the Final PEIS Vol 1, Vol 2, and Vol 3.
In 2024, the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies (NAFSMA) honored the KCFCD with an Excellence in Communications Award for the PEIS public engagement process. The award recognized the KCFCD’s innovative efforts to involve a wide range of partners and interested parties, including frontline communities, area residents, Tribal Nations, farmers, environmental advocates, and local governments.
“Engaging our communities with transparency, accessibility, and respect is a core value of the King County Flood Control District,” said Reagan Dunn, Chair of the King County Flood Control District. “The national recognition we received for our public engagement is a testament to that commitment. We will continue that same inclusive, award-winning approach as we work to reduce flood risk on the Lower Green River corridor and mitigate the impacts to the environment and the communities we serve.”
What Comes Next
The Plan builds upon the technical studies, community engagement, and alternatives analysis completed during the PEIS. It will serve as the strategic framework for developing a long-term, integrated flood risk reduction Capital Investment Strategy (CIS) for the Lower Green River Corridor. Ultimately, targeted projects and initiatives will be implemented consistent with the Plan and CIS, aligning regional goals around flood risk reduction, environmental restoration, climate resilience, equity, and other multibenefits.
The Plan is guided by these core principles:
- Integrated Floodplain Management: A holistic, multibenefit approach that balances flood risk reduction, environmental stewardship, and community needs.
- Long-Term Vision and Commitment: Establishing a 30- to 50-year framework for sustainable flood management.
- Collaborative Approach: Engaging Tribes, agencies, local governments, and community members to develop inclusive and effective solutions.
Get Involved
By leveraging this moment to build stronger, smarter, and more sustainable flood infrastructure, the KCFCD is not just preparing for the next flood—we’re investing in the future of the Lower Green River Corridor, helping develop resilient communities where people live, work, and play, and the environment we all share.
Input is essential to shaping the Plan and ensuring it reflects the needs and priorities of those most affected by flooding. A Partner Planning Committee is being formed to learn about and discuss the Plan development. Everyone is welcome to sign up and participate as a member of the committee, including those unfamiliar with flood planning processes. The Committee will meet up to four times between Summer and Fall of 2025, with the first meeting scheduled for June 18, 2025.
To learn more about the Plan and get involved, visit: Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan.