Since 1990, Pierce County has experienced a federally - declared flood disaster nine times. According to University of Washington scientists, climate change is projected to increase the frequency of flooding in most western Washington river basins. Future floods are expected to exceed the protective abilities of our existing flood facilities.

Pierce County has 11 significant floodplains along the Puyallup, White, Carbon, Nisqually, Greenwater, and Mashel rivers, and South Prairie Creek. The floodplains range from the very urban nine miles along the lower Puyallup River to the rural Nisqually River between Elbe and Ashford. Many of the levees along these rivers were built more than 80 years ago by farmers to protect their fields. Now, these aging levees protect major business centers, residences, and critical public facilities such as roads, bridges, and sewer treatment plants.

It has been estimated that a major flood in Pierce County could generate flood-related losses in excess of $725 million. There are 11,868 jobs at businesses located within the 100-year floodplain. Personal property losses could range from $199 million to $520 million. Economic output losses could be anywhere between $12.6 million and $46 million. When I-5 closed from flooding in Chehalis County, they lost more than $10 million per day.

Delays caused by road and rail closures are estimated to cost $12.6 to $19.3 million. People and businesses countywide rely on these transportation routes. In the event of a 100-year flood, road and rail closures would include:

• Amtrak, BNSF, and UP railways
• Interstate 5
• Pacific Highway / State Route 99
• State Route 410
• State Route 509

The projects range in scope from maintaining existing levees to constructing new flood reduction structures. Projects can also include non-structural solutions such as buying flood-prone properties or drafting model land use regulations that keep people and structures out of flood danger areas.

Projects could include:

• Flood hazard reduction projects with the greatest regional significance
• Flood facility maintenance
• Mapping and technical studies
• Public education and outreach
• Regional flood warning and emergency response