Today, a critical flood risk reduction project in Black Diamond cleared a significant hurdle. The King County Flood Control District (FCD) Executive Committee approved an interlocal agreement (ILA) with the City of Black Diamond to replace three deteriorating culverts along Covington Creek with a bridge. The ILA includes FCD funding of almost $2.3 million.
“I’m excited to see this important project progress to a final vote,” said FCD Vice Chair Reagan Dunn. “Building a bridge will reduce the risk of flooding along the roadway while also making it easier for salmon to migrate along this portion of Covington Creek.”
If approved and completed, the Covington Creek Culvert Replacement Project would greatly reduce flood risk along 224th Ave SE, one of only two north/south arterial roadways in Black Diamond, while also improving passage for migrating fish. Lake Sawyer empties into Covington Creek through three culverts that are rusted, deteriorating, and restrict water flow. The poor condition of these culverts heightens the flood risk along 224th Avenue SE and makes salmon migration more difficult.
“We appreciate the opportunity to partner with the Flood Control District to replace the three culverts on Covington Creek with a bridge, which has been a project on our Capital Improvement Plan for many years,” said Black Diamond Mayor Carol Benson.
By replacing these culverts and a section of roadway with a new bridge, the risk of flooding will go down, fish passage will be improved, and maintenance needs such as log and branch removal will be minimized. In addition, the project will make the stretch of road more walkable and install guardrails on the bridge will help prevent cars from veering off roadway and into the water, which currently happens about once per year.
With today’s approval by the FCD Executive Committee, the project agreement will be sent to the FCD Board of Supervisors for a final vote on March 3rd.
