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Fort Dent levee repair

Project overview

The Fort Dent Levee is located on the right bank of the Green River in the City of Tukwila.

The Fort Dent Levee is located in the City of Tukwila on the right bank of the Green River when looking downstream. This levee reduces erosion and flood risks to the Green River Trail, Fort Dent Park, and Starfire Sports.

The Fort Dent Levee was damaged by flooding in 2019 and 2020. King County, as the primary service provider to the King County Flood Control District, is planning to repair and stabilize the levee in 2024. This project is expected to be completed by 2025.

Repairing this levee reduces flood risks to people and property. Timely action may also minimize damage to fish habitat and prevent the need for costly emergency repairs. Construction will include planting native plants to provide shade and improve fish habitat, and to help reduce long-term maintenance needs and costs.  

What is a levee? 

A levee is a raised structure built along a riverbank to contain, control, or divert the flow of water and protect the land along the river from temporary flooding. A levee is usually made of earth and runs parallel to the course of a river.

A portion of the Fort Dent levee that was damaged is pictured above. The extent of the levee highlighted in this visual is approximate and is shown for informational purposes only.
A section of the Fort Dent levee provided flood and erosion protection to the Green River Trail, Fort Dent Park, and Starfire Spots during a flood event in 2006. The extent of the Fort Dent Levee (white dashed line) is approximate and is shown for informational purposes only.

Project goals 

  • Perform levee repairs to minimize future maintenance costs and reduce flood risks to people, community resources, and infrastructure.
  • Maintain or improve habitat for salmon and other aquatic life.
  • Limit disruptions to use of the Green River Trail, Fort Dent Park, and Starfire Sports during construction. 

Project schedule

Activity Date

Design and permitting

2021 to 2024 
Construction Summer to fall of 2025
Site monitoring and project closing 2025 to 2026

Construction impacts

King County is working to limit the impacts of construction. Construction may temporarily impact use of the Green River Trail. 

We will update this webpage with impacts to roads, sidewalks, trails, or parks in the area as the project moves through design and permitting. We will also post signs and flyers near the project site and notify local businesses and residents before and during construction. To receive updates, please sign up for the project email list. 

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