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June 4, 1999
King County closes deal on third home purchased in flood plain After the four properties have been purchased, King County will do work on the lots to improve the environmental qualities to enhance Swamp Creek's large wetland area, and to increase protection of homes and businesses downstream from future flooding. The properties will remain as permanently undeveloped open space. Executive Ron Sims' representative, Jean Carpenter, coordinator of Local Government Relations for King County, attended the closing, in addition to Councilmember Maggi Fimia. "It is rewarding to see the hard work put forth by King County finally come to fruition in Swamp Creek," noted Councilmember Fimia, "This project has been of significant personal importance to both Executive Sims and to me." King County purchased the homes in response to residents' concern — Swamp Creek has flooded their properties numerous times in recent years. The money for purchasing the homes exceeded one million dollars and came from a federal grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is administered by the Washington State flood hazard mitigation grant program. "It is sad to say goodbye, but we feel like it is time to move on," said Mrs. Cartwright. "My husband and I both have a renewed sense of the commitment from our local government, especially Ron Sims," she said. Updated: June 4, 1999 King County | Natural Resources | News | Services | Comments Search |