Join Us in Safeguarding Green River Valley Infrastructure!

Join the Green River Flood Safety Initiative in our mission to hold federal, state and county officials accountable, to restore and protect critical infrastructure and protect the people of Washington State. Register your support and stay informed.

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Disasters like the Breach of the Green River Desimone Levee are Preventable!

Years of studies, plans, delays, and pet projects outside of the scope of the King County Flood Control District charter led to recent failures of levees along the Green River that subsequently flooded the industrial, residential, and farmlands of the Kent Valley.

We are coming together to hold the King County Flood Control District (FCD) accountable. They not only knew that the levees were compromised but the very sections that were at risk.

Agency Accountability Through A Proposed Class Action Lawsuit

Against: King County flood Control District - for failure to maintain federally authorized flood control infrastructure, misuse of flood control tax revenue, and intentional negligence and breach of statutory duties.

Who is impacted: Property owners, businesses, farms, and industry with damages in the flood zone and all King County Taxpayers who contribute to the Flood Control District Tax Levy

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King County Flood Control District Overview

The King County Flood Control District was established to fund and maintain flood protection infrastructure and collect property tax assessments countywide, for the sole purpose of maintaining flood protection infrastructure.

The FCP has cooperation agreements with Army Corp of Engineers for Federally funded projects who require a local sponsor, such as the county or municipality, to maintain and oversee structural integrity standards.

Publicly available documentation reveals out-of-compliance status since 2009! Deferred maintenance of the Desimone Levee was responsible for the severe breach in December 2025. To this day, risks and inspection results have not been publicly disclosed. Where exactly are all the Federal monies and our tax dollars going? Land acquisition? Habitat restoration? Department of Natural Resources (DNR) services? Non-government organization (NGO) Grants? Non-structural programs?

Meanwhile insurance premiums and real risks escalate without improvement to actual flood control.

A dark car drives under a bridge covered in vines.
A forest landscape with a small lake and path.
A forest landscape with a small lake and path.

Destruction from Long-Term Inaction Results in the following:

  • Physical damage to Western Washington’s largest distribution and manufacturing core, the Kent Valley

  • Personal upheaval and economic strain.

  • Project backlogs and budget projections that fall short of covering infrastructure projects. Over committing and under performing.

  • A continued hazard of unrepaired levee system putting lives and livelihoods at risk.

  • Deferred maintenance is increasing the cost of future maintenance or requiring even costlier replacements.

  • Increasing FEMA insurance costs.

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Where things went wrong

Thousands of people experienced destruction to personal property. Here are some of the things that went horribly wrong:

  • Breach of Statutory Duty: Failure to perform flood control maintenance

  • Negligence: Duty > Breach > Causation > Damages

  • Waste of Public Funds: Improper reallocation and diversion of levy funds

  • Unlawful Taxation: Levies are collected without fulfilling statutory purpose

  • Breach of Fiduciary Duty: If FCD held funds in trust for flood protection

  • Relief: If court declares that FCD is out of compliance, then court orders

    • Immediate compliance plan

    • Specific levee repairs

    • Public disclosure of risk assessments

    • Federal Civil Rights Claim (If applicable) if property interests were impaired without due process

    • Update of FEMA maps to reflect new flood protection

blue solar panel boards
A forest landscape with a small lake and path.

Demands for Change to Prevent Unnecessary Destruction:

Thousands of people experienced destruction to private property and business. Make your voice be heard!

  • Document property damages

  • Business interruption loses

  • Lost rental income

  • Decreased property value due to flood risk

  • Infrastructure repair costs

  • Relocation expenses

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Expectations for Injunctive & Structural Relief

It is reasonable to expect that the courts could order:

  • System-wide levee safety assessment

  • Mandatory repair program

  • Compensation for property losses

  • Creation of flood mitigation fund

  • Public disclosure of engineering risk

  • Court supervision of repairs

  • Independent audits of the KCFCD, KC Auditor, DNR, Stormwater Management tax revenue

Horror Stories of those affected

Jasmine Richards

After joining Valley Protection Alliance's restoration events and educational programs, I've gained immense appreciation for our local ecosystems. A truly informative and fulfilling experience!

Monica Chandler

After trying several environmental workshops, Valley Protection's programs really stand out. Their sustainable land management advice is also top-notch, practical and actionable.

Thomas Krazinski

Valley Protection Alliance's Wildlife Protection program genuinely helps. Feels trustful seeing their subtle yet effective methods in safeguarding our local fauna. Low-key impressed.

FAQs

Answers to Your Questions About Protecting Our Valleys & holding official accountable

What geographic areas does the Green River Flood Safety Initiative cover?

We focus on stormwater management and flood protection for Washington rivers, lakes and watersheds

How can I volunteer with Green River Flood Safety Initiative?

Reach out to us and we can help you find a way to contribute.

How can businesses partner with Green River Flood Safety Initiative?

Businesses can partner with us through sponsorships, corporate volunteer programs.

Does the Green River Flood Safety Initiative collaborate with government bodies

Yes, we have a long history of efforts to work closely with local, state, and federal governments to find resolutions to the problems related to water concurrency.

How is the Green River Flood Safety Initiative funded?

Our funding comes from private donations and matching corporate contributions.

How can businesses partner with the Green River Flood Safety Initiative?

Businesses can engage in sponsorships, volunteer programs, or consulting services for needs of the Green River Flood Safety Initiative.