After witnessing the devastating losses suffered by Snoqualmie Valley farmers in last winter’s floods, the Metropolitan King County Council voted unanimously today to provide farmers with new land-use tools to help prevent further damage this year and in the future.

Councilmember Kathy Lambert of Redmond, who represents the Snoqualmie Valley, asked the Council to take quick action that will allow flood protection measures to be put in place before this winter’s flood season, while also exploring other ways to ensure the long-term viability of agriculture in communities such as Carnation, Duvall and Fall City. The Snoqualmie Valley is home to the largest agricultural production district in King County, but is subjected to regular flooding that damages crops, drowns livestock and destroys farm equipment, hay, seeds, bulbs and farm supplies.

“In the last 16 years, our farmers have experienced four of the worst floods on record, including last November’s record-breaking deluge,” said Lambert, who sponsored the measures after talking to farmers and witnessing the extensive flood damage. “Without assistance, many of our small farmers may be financially unable to weather more flooding. Allowing projects that specifically address the unique needs of agriculture while still protecting the environment and Valley residents makes good sense.”

“The Snoqualmie Valley is the agricultural heart of King County. The effect of the floods of the last few years have been devastating to valley residents and to anyone who enjoys the crops produced in the valley,” said Council Chair Larry Gossett. “In order to ensure the economic well-being of the farmers and the rest of the county, it was necessary for the council to take quick and decisive action to mitigate future flood damage.”

One short-term measure will allow the immediate improvement of existing livestock sanctuaries, which are raised mounds of earth where livestock can be kept safely above flood waters temporarily. The Council action creates a demonstration project that allows expansion of existing facilities to serve as farm flood pads, which can contain equipment and supplies as well as livestock.

The second measure directs the King County Executive to convene a task force to review and make recommendations for measures that will protect farming in the Snoqualmie Valley in the future. Such measures could include allowing construction of farm pads and repairs to flood-damaged buildings, new stormwater drainage requirements, and a flood-control program focused on reducing flooding of farmlands. Recommendations are due back to the Council by February 1, 2008.

“Flooding can have catastrophic long-term effects for farmers who lose livestock, equipment, supplies and property to these natural disasters,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine, a co-sponsor of the ordinance. “By protecting the vital economic interests of farmers, we sustain King County’s agricultural heritage and encourage the production of locally grown food.”

“Farm pads are critical for reducing devastating impacts from floods on people, livestock, crops, and equipment,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, chair of the Council’s Growth Management and Natural Resources Committee. “With the climate crisis causing increased flood risks, embracing new flood protection measures is imperative. The council’s action today brings immediate relief in time for the next flood season, while also looking at more comprehensive solutions to help farmers and livestock better weather future floods.”

“The fertile Snoqualmie Valley has a rich and proud farming heritage, and these measures will help preserve that tradition as well as the Valley’s economic engine,” said Lambert. “Supporting local agriculture is at the heart of developing a sustainable community. Locally grown food is fresher, healthier and requires fewer natural resources for transportation and packaging. A productive agricultural district is vital for the future of our region and our quality of life.”

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system.
Type in “2007-0337” or “2007-0393”