King County Flood District accepting applications for flood reduction grant program

March 28, 2017 8:00 am
The King County Flood Control District provides funds to help protect properties from flooding along the Green River and other rivers in the county.
The King County Flood Control District provides funds to help protect properties from flooding along the Green River and other rivers in the county.

The King County Flood Control District has $3.06 million available in grant funding for projects that reduce the impact of flooding.

The deadline to apply for a 2017 grant is May 10. The program targets flood reduction projects throughout the county.

“This program provides much-needed funds for communities and organizations in our region to undertake innovative efforts that address flood risks,” said Reagan Dunn, chair of the King County Flood District, in a media release. “I encourage anyone who believes they have a fundable project to apply.”

The Flood Control District is specifically interested in reaching homeowner associations, non-profit organizations, schools, special purpose districts, tribes, cities, towns and agencies in the county.

To qualify for funding, projects must provide a flood reduction benefit so that it directly addresses existing or potential flooding. Projects that achieve multiple benefits are encouraged. Typical projects might include:

• Addressing surface water overflows and flooding from creeks and lakes due to outflow blockage or undersized/failing culverts or pipes.

• Clearing clogged agricultural drainage systems.

• Improving inadequate or failing stormwater systems that are causing flooding or slope instability.

• Addressing flooding of roads due to increased stormwater runoff.

• Assessing existing conditions as part of the creation of a lake management district.

There is no cap on the individual award amount. Past grants have ranged from $11,000 to $400,000. Matching funds are encouraged but not required. Expenditure of the funds must be completed no later than 36 months after signing the grant agreement.

More information about criteria, eligibility and application assistance can be found at kingcountyfloodcontrol.org.

Interested parties should contact Kim Harper at 206-477-6079 or kim.harper@kingcounty.gov and include “Flood Reduction Grant Application” in the subject line.

The King County Flood Control District, funded through a property tax, is a special purpose government created to provide funding and policy oversight for flood protection projects and programs . The Flood Control District’s Board is composed of the members of the King County Council.