The Auburn City Council on Monday authorized Mayor Nancy Backus to execute an easement for King County on a part of 41.5 acres of property along the White River and north of Roegner Park that the City bought in August 2015 from Puget Sound Energy for flood protection benefits.

Council action allows King County access to build, inspect, monitor, rebuild, maintain and repair river bank protections like levees or other flood related works, including installation, inspection and maintenance of vegetation.

In addition, the easement allows the county access to build and rebuild, fix, maintain, locate and relocate utilities and stormwater facilities or improvements and trails improvements “across, in, under, on, over and upon the easement area.”

The 2015 acquisition cost the city – nothing.

Instead, the City tapped the King County Flood Control District’s Sub-Regional Opportunity Fund, which paid $75,000 for the land and $8,727 for all real estate transaction costs.

Monday’s decision was the final piece of the puzzle to go in to complete the transaction.

“Their last requirement was that we allow for a flood protection easement to King County for their access for flood protection measures,” said Jenna Leonard, environmental services manager for the City of Auburn’s Department of Community Development and Public Works.