Title
AN ORDINANCE relating to protecting lives and property by controlling flooding in King County; declaring the intention of the King County council to create a countywide flood control zone district and to dissolve existing flood control zone districts within the county as required by state law.
Body
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
SECTION 1. Findings:
A. Every year, King County faces significant threats from flooding, the impacts of which are far-reaching and pose significant threats to public health and safety and economic activities throughout the county.
B. Flooding impacts public infrastructure, including transportation corridors and critical public safety facilities, as well as private businesses and personal residences, all of which are vital to the health, safety and well being of citizens throughout the entire county.
C. Throughout King County there are nearly five hundred aging flood protection facilities that, because of historical and current revenue limitations, cannot be repaired or maintained adequately. In addition, there are significant needs for new or enhanced flood protection facilities and measures throughout the county.
D. Since 1990 King County has been declared a flood disaster area seven times. Floods in future years are also expected to exceed the capacity and protective abilities of existing flood protection facilities, thereby threatening property, lives, major transportation corridors, communities and regional economic centers. This potential for significant flooding threatens the health, safety and prosperity of citizens countywide.
E. The impacts of flooding can be severe and extend far beyond the floodplain itself. Buildings can be damaged along with household furnishings and business inventories. In addition to the direct threats and damage from floodwater, people face the threat of electrocution, explosions and fires caused by leaking gas lines and damaged electrical lines. Severe...

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