North Bend receives funding for high-risk flood areas

North Bend neighborhoods will receive much-needed flood mitigation funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) this winter. The federal funds will be used to elevate or buy out homes in high-risk flood areas to prevent future loss and damage.

“I’m thrilled that we will be able to provide some relief to families in the North Bend area that have been relentlessly devastated by repeated flooding,” said King County Flood Control District Board Supervisor Kathy Lambert, whose King County Council district includes North Bend. “While we can’t stop flooding, this money will help us to provide a more comprehensive and efficient approach to mitigating and controlling its impact on people and properties.”

The $750,000 award from FEMA was secured by Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08). Severe and repeated flooding from the Snoqualmie River has caused damage and posed public safety risks in North Bend neighborhoods. It is expected that the funding will elevate up to seven homes that have experienced frequent flooding.

“I’m pleased that these resources will be available to protect homes and families in the North Bend area,” Reichert said. “This area has endured hardship due to chronic flooding, and many have lost property, keepsakes, and memories. We know that when it comes to natural disasters, preparation is key, so this funding will assist public safety efforts in protecting North Bend from future property damage.”

The King County Flood Control District will manage the federal funds which will augment work already underway in the area. The Flood District previously received two grants in the amount of approximately $2.4 million to elevate homes at high risk of flooding in the Snoqualmie basin. Approximately $900,000 will pay for six home elevations and one acquisition in the Shamrock Park Neighborhood and approximately $1.5 million will elevate 15 homes in the upper and lower Snoqualmie floodplain. 
Additionally, two Flood District capital improvement projects are in progress:

• South Fork Levee System Improvements:  Rebuilding and strengthening selected portions of the existing levee system to protect the residential and commercial areas of the City of North Bend and residential portions of unincorporated King County. The work is part of a multi-year, $7 million project that began in 2008 to rehabilitate five miles of levees on the South Fork Snoqualmie levee system.  
• Middle Fork Levee System Capacity Improvements:  Remove levee segments that constrict the river channel. The purpose is to protect downstream residential development and reduce the high maintenance costs that result from high-velocity erosive flows in this reach. By reconnecting the river to its floodplain, velocities will be reduced and the storage and conveyance capacity of the channel will increase.

“Thanks to this Congressional appropriation sponsored by Congressman Reichert, we will be able to reduce flood risks to additional flood-damaged homes,” said King County floodplain manager Steve Bleifuhs. “It’s a significant boost to our Flood Buyout and Home Elevation Program that reduces public health and safety risks to residents and property owners living in flood hazard areas of King County.”

For information about King County’s Flood Buyout and Home Elevation Program please visit www.kingcounty.gov/environment/waterandland/flooding/buyout.aspx.

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The King County Flood Control District is a special purpose government created to provide funding and policy oversight for flood protection projects and programs in King County.  The Flood Control District’s Board is composed of the members of the King County Council. The Water and Land Resources Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks develops and implements the approved flood protection projects and programs. Information is available at http://www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/.

Related information

King County Flood Buyout and Home Elevation Program

King County Water and Land Resources

King County Flood Control District