Drafter
Clerk 10/01/2020
Title
A MOTION declaring the King County Flood Control District's commitment to integrated floodplain management and multibenefit projects and to the principles of environmental stewardship, equity and social justice and environmental justice; and redefining how the District plans capital projects and reimagining how the District designs projects.
Body
WHEREAS, the King County Flood Control District ("the District") desires to carry out its mission to provide flood risk reduction projects and services throughout the County as efficiently, effectively, and transparently as possible, and
WHEREAS, the District reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the transparency in its practices and the effective and efficient implementation of capital projects, and
WHEREAS, the District desires to protect, and where possible, enhance aquatic and riparian habitat in a manner that conserves tribal and treaty-reserved natural resources under treaty reserved rights and is consistent with adopted salmon habitat recovery plans in King County, and
WHEREAS, the District acknowledges and affirms its commitment to the interconnectedness of flood risk reduction, environmental stewardship, equity and social justice, and environmental justice;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT MOVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE KING COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT:
SECTION 1. The District will plan capital projects incorporating the principles of integrated floodplain management by improving the resiliency of the floodplains in King County for the protection of human communities and the health of the ecosystem, while honoring tribal treaty rights and cultural resources and supporting values important in the region such as agriculture, clean water, a vibrant economy, salmon and orca recovery, and outdoor recreation.
SECTION 2. The District will prioritize the design and implementation of multibenefit floodplain management projects that reduce flood risks, ensure public safety and restore river ecosystems in an equitable and just manner, while also advancing the inter-related interests of the community including, where applicable:
A. Equity and Social Justice;
B. Environmental Justice;
C. Habitat protection and salmon recovery;
D. Resilient communities and ecosystems;
E. Productive and viable agriculture;
F. Sustainable development;
G. Jobs and sustainable livelihoods;
H. Open Space conservation;
I. Sustainable and clean water; and
J. Recreation and other opportunities to connect people with nature.
SECTION 3. The District will align its work with King County policies including but not limited to:
A. The King County Flood Hazard Management Plan;
B. The Equity and Social Justice Strategic Action Plan;
C. The King County Strategic Climate Action Plan;
D. The King County Comprehensive Plan;
E. The Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan; and
F. The King County Shoreline Master Program.
SECTION 4. The District will seek to find alignment with other environmental stewardship initiatives such as:
A. The King County Clean Water Healthy Habit Plan;
B. The King County Land Conservation Initiative; and
C. Salmon Habitat Recovery Plans in King County Watersheds.
SECTION 5. The District will update its acquisition policy to accommodate an integrated floodplain management approach while also addressing equity and social justice issues and environmental justice concerns. The policy shall be developed by December 31, 2021.
SECTION 6. The District will develop an equity and social justice policy that recognizes an integrated floodplain management approach while also addressing equity and social justice issues and environmental justice concerns. The policy shall be developed by December 31, 2021.
SECTION 7. The District will take an integrated approach to identifying, planning, prioritizing and designing flood risk reduction Capital Improvement Projects. This approach will consider risk reduction strategies and projects in a reach and basin context and seek opportunities to collaborate with other partners to achieve cobenefits and interests identified in Section 2 of this motion and leverage public and community investments.
SECTION 8. The District will develop a process to reevaluate and reprioritize within Capital Investment Strategies as necessary to prioritize multibenefit projects; encourage an integrated floodplain management approach and focus on equity and social justice and environmental justice. This reevaluation of Capital Investment Strategies will begin with the Cedar River Capital Investment Strategy. New Capital Investment Strategies, including the Sammamish River Capital Investment Strategy planning process that is currently underway will utilize an integrated flood management approach, prioritize multibenefit projects and focus on equity and social justice.
SECTION 9. The District will convene a committee of governments and stakeholders to advise the District as it considers implementation of the policies adopted herein in the Green River Valley. The District shall consult closely with the committee as the District develops the Lower Green River Corridor Flood Hazard Management Plan for the Middle and Lower Green River incorporating multiple benefits and values through the integrated approach adopted herein. The committee shall also assist the District with development of a programmatic environmental impact statement to support the flood
hazard management plan and on a Capital Investment Strategy for the Middle and Lower Green River.