There are 16 miles of flood protection levees along the Lower Green River that no longer provide sufficient protection to the residents or significant economic resources in the Green River Valley. The levees also lack enough vegetation and trees to provide shade to the river in support of the federal Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act mandates. With input from you and many other stakeholders, the King County Flood Control District is developing a long-term plan, known as a System-Wide Improvement Framework, to manage flood risks in a way that achieves coordinated social, ecological and economic goals.
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by Melvin M We dike too many streams and rivers. The natural flood plains support a diversity of habitat. We need to coexist with nature -- not try to overcome it. There should be a symbiotic relationship between humans and other habitat, of which we are a part. We only have one planet and need to learn that sharing is better than exploitation.
by Bill V8 Protect people, property, and commercial activity. Don't waste money.
by Curtis D2 Please consider that 50+ years from now, those warehouses along the river (and roads/parking lots) will be ready for redevelopment. Even between now and then, redevelopment plans should maximize the return of land to the river for floodplain habitat. Over time, moving commercial and residential development from harms way will reduce the inevitable economic losses from flooding and restore some of the original habitat.
by Matt B47 This is a great point. Additionally, if the levees are set back and floodplain connectivity is (partially) restored, some consideration could be given to using some of that reclaimed floodplain for flood-compatible agricultural practices as well as maximizing habitat improvements. This could help support King County agriculture in the future while still achieving necessary incremental habitat gains in this and other King County watersheds (like the Snoqualmie).