For the Reporter
Crews have begun moving earth on the $8 million Reddington Levee Setback project near Brannan Park in Auburn.
A high priority for the King County Flood District and King County Water and Land Resources Division, the Reddington Levee Setback is the largest in-river flood protection project since the creation of the King County Flood Control District in 2007 and will enhance flood protection for hundreds of Auburn residents and hundreds of millions.
“We have about 31 residential properties and 275 commercial buildings that will be directly protected from potential Green River flooding once this levee setback is completed,” said Auburn Mayor Pete Lewis. “It will also benefit our community by providing native vegetation and protective habitat for wildlife and fish that call the Green River home. We thank the County for its support of this important project.”
The levee setback project will result in a wider corridor for moving flood flows, and a wider river bank vegetation corridor for enhanced ecological benefits. It will greatly reduce flood risk to residents, businesses and infrastructure which have a combined value of $680 million, not including the value of the building contents.
“If we are to improve our regional job market, it is vital we address our aging infrastructure,” said Flood District Board member and King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “The Reddington Levee Setback project is an important step forward in ensuring the safety of our residents.”
The project involves setting back and extending the levee along the west bank of the Green River through a portion of the City of Auburn from Brannan Park (26th Street NE) north to 40th Street NE (south of the new Monterey Park Development). It is part of a larger overall flood management strategy for the entire Green River, on which the Flood District and King County Water and Land Resources Division will complete four additional projects this year.
“The continuing goal of the Flood Control District is to make the safety improvement necessary to protect people, homes and commerce on our major river systems,” said King County Flood District Chair and King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn. “This project is an example of that commitment.”
For those that live, work, play or commute near the Reddington Levee Setback Project, or who have an interest in floodplain management, the project team is hosting an open house to discuss the project, summer construction activities and impacts. The open house is set for:
Wednesday, July 10
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Cascade Middle School Library
1015 24th St. NE, Auburn
Summer construction hours will typically be weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Construction vehicle access to and from the project site will be by 40th St. NE and 26th St. NE. Construction is expected to continue through October 2013. To sign up for project updates by email or learn more about the Reddington Levee Setback Project, go to www.kingcounty.gov/rivers.
