What is the history of flooding in King County?
Due to the unique topography of our region, our annual rainfall and our susceptibility to major flooding, King County is no stranger to natural disasters. Since 1990, there have been eleven federally declared flood disasters. Flooding affects every citizen in King County. Tens of thousands of King County residents commute through, live and work in, or own businesses in floodplains. Protecting citizens and property from injury and damage by natural disasters is the fundamental role of government. In 2007, the King County Flood Control District was established to provide a proactive, regional approach to flooding as well as funding to improve the county’s 500 flood protection structures. This investment is an example of proactive steps government has taken to help protect our region from billions of dollars in potential loss and damage. In January of this year, a major storm damaged an abutment adjacent to the Howard Hanson Dam, which has diminished the effectiveness of the dam and incre
