Flood Control District approves $14.8 million in Steve Blythe memorial flood‑reduction grants

On Sept. 9, 2025, the King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors adopted Resolution FCD2025-09 to award grants under the Steve Blythe Memorial Flood Reduction Grant Program, recommending just over $14.8 million in awards to 35 projects. The board voted 9-0 to adopt the resolution after a staff report and member comments.

Stephen Shower, the district's deputy executive director, told the board the program funds smaller non‑CIP projects that provide flood‑reduction benefits including surface water overflows, nearshore flooding, lake flooding from outflow blockage, and clearance of clogged agricultural drainage systems. Shower said the district received 37 requests totaling $30.4 million; the 2025 budget authorized $13.8 million and the review panel recommended awarding just over $14.8 million, with the roughly $1.0 million overage coming from unspent funds from prior grant rounds.

The review panel — Josh Baldy (director, King County Water and Land Resources Division), Morgan Erwin (former state representative and Enumclaw City Council member), and Michelle Clark (district executive director) — recommended full funding for seven projects and partial funding for 28 projects; the panel recommended denying one application and one applicant withdrew. Shower said applicants this year included 14 cities, 11 nonprofits, one homeowners association, four special purpose districts, two little leagues and one county program. The panel prioritized geographic equity, equity and social justice, matching funds, limiting awards when a single applicant requested multiple grants, and partnerships with other grant sources.

Supervisor DeShawn Quinn said the awards will support flood‑risk reduction on roads, improve fish passage, bolster shoreline habitat and reduce coastal flooding. "These flood grants will help with flood risk reduction on roads, improve fish passage, bolster shoreline habitat, and reduce coastal flooding," Quinn said. Vice Chair Perry praised the program's investments countywide and the board discussion included expressions of gratitude for naming the program for Steve Blythe and for outreach to applicants across districts.

Members highlighted several district and project‑level details: District 5 received five awards including grants that benefit Renton, Tukwila, Des Moines and Norwood Park; the Pac West Little League received an award intended to reduce rainouts for an organization that serves more than 400 youth annually; and District 8 received approximately $1.8 million for projects including Judd Creek flash‑flood control on Vashon Island, Duwamish Valley industrial greening, flood‑risk reduction in South Park and dredging and restoration work on Ham Creek and portions of the Duwamish River. Shower also noted that at least one application came from every King County Council district except District 4.

The board moved the resolution at the request of Vice Chair Perry; the clerk recorded a roll call of nine ayes and no nays, and the chair declared the resolution adopted. The staff report and board comments made clear adoption identifies recipients of previously authorized 2025 grant funding; it does not authorize new money in the 2025 budget.

Adopted awards will proceed to recipients as specified in the district's grant documents and according to the program's administrative steps for contracting and disbursement.