On Sept. 8 the King County Flood Control District announced the allocation of roughly $14.3 million in grant money to 39 flood‑reduction projects throughout the county. The funding comes from the Steve Bleifuhs Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program, which targets medium‑ and small‑scale projects that improve drainage, reduce flood risk and restore waterways.
Key projects receiving funding
District 5 – $1.7 million total
- City of Kent – $750,000: The Earthworks Sediment Pond Culvert Replacement will swap two undersized, deteriorating corrugated culverts for a larger, fish‑friendly unit. The upgrade improves fish passage to the Upper Mill Creek basin and lowers flood risk downstream. Funds cover final design, permitting and part of construction.
- Renton – $400,000: The Hardie Avenue SW Flood Risk Reduction project will install 600 feet of 48‑inch storm drain beneath the BNSF Railway underpass, extending to SW 7th Street and linking to the existing storm main. The work aims to eliminate a recurring sag‑point flood.
- Des Moines Creek – $200,000: Final design work for the Des Moines Creek Estuary Restoration will address flooding at Des Moines Beach Park while enhancing shoreline habitat and public access.
- King Conservation District – $350,000: An Agricultural Drainage Project will help farmers maintain agricultural waterways and drainage systems, preserving productive farmland.
District 7 – $659,000 total
- Auburn – $300,000: The Auburn 400 Flood Mitigation Ponds / 15th Street SE Culvert project will fund a comprehensive cleaning and restoration of the Auburn 400 culvert system, ensuring hydraulic capacity for the regional flood‑storage area that moves water from Algona Creek to Mill Creek.
- City of Algona – $359,000: The 11th Avenue North Flood Reduction Property Acquisition will secure a flood‑prone parcel at 58 11th Avenue North, allowing the city to control water flow, create future flood storage and improve floodplain access.
Program reach and community impact
The Flood Reduction Grant Program received 46 applications totaling $33,213,081. Every King County Council district submitted at least one request, with participation from 19 cities, one county, 15 non‑profits, seven homeowners’ associations, two special‑purpose districts and two land trusts. District 4 Supervisor Jorge L. Barón emphasized that the program distributes funds equitably to address both river‑corridor risks and localized water‑related challenges.
Named in honor of Steve Bleifuhs—a longtime flood‑plain management leader who passed away in July 2024—the grant program reflects his legacy of proactive flood hazard planning. The recent allocations will help keep farmland productive, protect neighborhoods from repeated road flooding, and improve habitat for local fish species.
What this means for residents
For homeowners, farmers and businesses in the funded districts, the grants translate into tangible improvements: larger culverts that allow water to flow freely, new storm‑drain infrastructure that reduces street flooding, and restored wetlands that both mitigate floods and support wildlife. By addressing “practical issues,” as King County Councilmember and Flood Control District Supervisor Steffanie Fain noted, the district is safeguarding property values and preserving the county’s agricultural heritage.
These projects also demonstrate the county’s commitment to responsible stewardship of public resources. By leveraging state and federal match‑funds, the Flood Control District maximizes the impact of each dollar, ensuring that taxpayers see real returns in safer roads, healthier ecosystems and sustained farm production.
Looking ahead
The district will continue to evaluate grant applications for future fiscal years, seeking projects that align with the 2006 King County Flood Hazard Management Plan and the broader goal of resilient, flood‑ready communities. Residents interested in learning more about upcoming grant cycles or submitting proposals can contact the King County Flood Control District office.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
