King County press release:
Bellevue neighborhoods that have to battle flooding during winter storms will receive assistance with the unanimous approval of grants by the King County Flood Control District (FCD). The funds the projects will receive are from an FCD program that focuses on both flood prevention and flood mitigation.
“We are thrilled to help fund solutions with the city of Bellevue on flooding issues affecting local streets, trails and agricultural efforts such as blueberry farming near Larsen Lake and along the Kelsey Creek corridor,” said Flood District Supervisor Jane Hague, who represents Bellevue on the Flood Control District.
“Flooding doesn’t just occur along our major rivers, but throughout communities in King County,” said Reagan Dunn, Chair of the King County Flood Control District, whose district also includes Bellevue. “As such, the Flood District’s grant program targets local flood reduction projects that will help to reduce flooding in communities across King County.”
A total of $2.8 million in grants were available in 2015 for projects throughout King County. The funds were awarded on a competitive basis by the Flood Control District. Eligible applicants included homeowner associations, private non-profit organizations or associations, schools, special districts, tribes and King County jurisdictions.
The projects receiving funding are:
Upper Kelsey Creek Stream Channel Improvement, $94,540: The effectiveness of the drainage improvements in the Upper Kelsey Creek basin has deteriorated since they were built in 1992. As a result, adjacent residential and agricultural land-owners are plagued by flooding. The replacement of culverts by bridges in three locations will alleviate these flooding issues and improve fish habitat.
Drainage remediation at Current Condominiums, $40,000: The project objective is to eliminate structural flooding by connecting a stormwater outfall pipe to a nearby stormwater pipe system.
Funded projects must be completed within 36 months of receiving funds.
