WA Ecology allocates $63 million for flood, habitat, and farmland mitigation

Washington – The State Department of Ecology will award $63 million in grants to a dozen entities, including tribes, counties and conservation groups, to improve floodplain management within the state’s major river basins.  

“We are working with partners across the state to improve the resiliency of Washington’s floodplains so that we can protect community health, safety, and the environment,” Ecology Director Laura Wilson said.  

Since the Floodplains by Design program launched in 2013, state lawmakers have provided $283 million to support 57 floodplain projects in 18 counties.  

Those projects have:  

• Reconnected 7,925 acres of wetlands and riparian forests to rivers in Washington.
• Protected 5,476 acres of land.
• Restored 71 miles of salmon habitat.
• Reduced flood risks to 3,084 homes and structures.