Enumclaw Plateau Area Farms to Receive Funds for Flooding Concerns

October 4, 2016

Summary

By providing landowner outreach, cost share assistance to landowners for dredging, and project monitoring King County's Agricultural Drainage Assistance Program (ADAP) hopes to build on past efforts to develop and implement an expanded set of services for increased landowner participation

Story

The King County Flood Control District (FCD) today approved funding for the King County Conservation District’s continued support of the Agricultural Drainage Assistance Program (ADAP), which provides financial and technical assistance for farmers and their neighbors to improve drainage of their agricultural lands.

Metropolitan King County Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn, who chairs the county’s special purpose district, announced the funding awards today, following the unanimous vote by the Board of Supervisors approving 21 2016 King County Flood Reduction Grant projects.

“Supporting ADAP means providing King County farmers and surrounding communities the means to manage damages caused by flooding,” said Dunn. “I know this is program is especially valuable for farmers living on the Enumclaw Plateau and look forward to seeing more residents take advantage of these resources.

By providing landowner outreach, cost share assistance to landowners for dredging, and project monitoring King County's Agricultural Drainage Assistance Program (ADAP) hopes to build on past efforts to develop and implement an expanded set of services for increased landowner participation.

“The Agricultural Drainage Assistance Program (ADAP) not only provided a financial benefit, but assisted with obtaining a permit from WDFW which can be a huge obstacle,” said Leann Krannick of the City of Enumclaw’s Krannick Dairy. “We are looking forward enjoying a free flowing ditch and new culvert during the rainy season.”

Since the preliminary outreach of the program, ADAP has significant landowner response and reports of drainage problems. The funds awarded today would provide the program a 12-month extension to continue partnering with King County and establish a long-term approach to funding in addition to the support of the King County Conservation District (KCD).

“The King Conservation District is delighted to have been awarded the King County Flood District Grant,” said Bill Knutsen, King Conservation District Board of Supervisors Vice-Chair. “It is the intent of KCD to partner with the Flood District to restore and improve drainage on King County Farmlands. An initial outreach to the farm community attracted 65 landowner responses from farmers seeking drainage assistance.”

A total of $3.3 million in grants were awarded in 2016 for projects throughout King County. The funds were awarded on a competitive basis by the Flood Control District. Eligible applicants included homeowner associations, private non-profit organizations or associations, schools, special districts, tribes and King County jurisdictions.