By Steven Schauer, Deputy Executive Director
The King County Flood Control District is launching an exciting new opportunity for single-family homeowners along the Lake Sammamish shoreline. The Lake Sammamish Dock and Shoreline Grants Program offers $1 million in funding to support projects that reduce flood risks to protect property, improve shoreline erosion control, and improve fish habitat. If you’re a single-family homeowner living on Lake Sammamish, this program may be your chance to upgrade your dock or shoreline while helping the environment.
Why This Program Matters
Lake Sammamish experiences fluctuating water levels, with rising lake levels contributing to shoreline flooding that can damage docks, outbuildings, and other infrastructure. Additionally, many older shoreline structures block sunlight from reaching the water—harming aquatic plants and increasing predation risks for young salmon. This grant program addresses both problems by promoting more sustainable, flood-resilient shoreline solutions.
Sarah Perry, Vice-Chair of the King County Flood Control District: “This new grant program is a win-win for the people of King County and our environment. By helping homeowners protect their property from flooding and simultaneously encouraging salmon-friendly shoreline improvements, we’re taking meaningful steps toward a safer, more resilient, environmentally responsible future for Lake Sammamish and all King County residents who rely on the lake for their livelihoods and enjoyment.”
Claudia Balducci, King County Flood Control District Supervisor for District 6: “Lake Sammamish residents have long felt the impacts of flooding and shoreline degradation. As King County continues to design the Willowmoor project, we have taken other steps as part of an adopted program to assist shoreline residents on Lake Sammamish. This pilot grant program is an opportunity to see if dock reconfiguration could be part of the solution to decrease the impacts of flooding on the lake. You can expect to hear back from us when the pilot is complete.”
What the Grant Covers
The Lake Sammamish Dock and Shoreline Grants Program is designed to help property owners with:
- Replacing fixed docks with floating docks to better adapt to changing water levels
- Installing green shoreline erosion controls and native plantings
- Relocating outbuildings outside of the 100-year floodplain
Each grant can cover up to $100,000, with a 25% cash match required from the applicant. For example, if your project costs $40,000, you could receive a $30,000 grant and provide $10,000 from your own funds.
Funding can be used for both technical assistance (like permitting and design) and construction. All projects will need to meet minimum standards for salmon protection to secure city, state, and federal permits.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible, you must:
- Own a single-family home on the Lake Sammamish shoreline
- Reside within Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah, or Bellevue
- Ensure your project does not create or worsen flooding elsewhere
Please note that public properties, those who rent or lease properties, and new dock construction (unless replacing an existing fixed dock) are not eligible.
How to Apply
Applications will open on June 12, 2025, and will close at 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2025. Funds will be available in early 2026, and all awarded projects must be completed within 36 months.
To apply, visit the Lake Sammamish Grant webpage. You’ll find step-by-step guidance on submitting your project proposal.
Learn More at an Info Session
King County, as service provider to the King County Flood Control District, will be hosting informational sessions for homeowners to learn more about the grant and get help with the application process.
- Register to join us, Tuesday, July 8 at 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., online on Zoom
- Register to join us, Monday, July 14 at 7:00 – 8:30 p.m., online on Zoom
You can also visit the online open house or reach out directly at LakeSammamishGrants@nullkingcounty.gov or call 206-263-2677 with any questions.
Stay Informed
Check out the Lake Sammamish Flooding FAQs to learn more, and you can find the application portal at the grant program website: kingcounty.gov/lake-sammamish-grants.
Let’s work together to create a safer, greener, and more resilient Lake Sammamish shoreline for future generations!