Repairs begin on Marshland Levee

SEATTLE, Wa. -- Repairs to the Marshland Levee commenced July 24 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction on a 300-foot segment along the Snohomish River damaged by a 2020 flood event. Under Public Law 84-99, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will restore the levee to its pre-flood level of protection.

The Marshland Levee was built on the Snohomish River in 1900 and was last repaired in 2010. It protects $140 million of agricultural, residential and commercial properties. This is the first time the levee received funding under PL 84-99, which authorizes the Corps of Engineers to repair or restore flood risk reduction works damaged by flooding.

The $554,300 project is paid for under a cost-sharing agreement per PL 84-99, with the Corps paying for 80% and the non-federal sponsor, Marshland Flood Control District, paying 20%.

“The Corps will continue to engage with the community through flood preparedness and response initiatives to work towards a common goal of reducing the amount of damage caused by flooding,” said Krystle Walker, USACE Seattle District Chief of Emergency Management

The Corps of Engineers work in coordination with federal, tribal, state and local agencies. These include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Indian Nation, Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Tulalip Tribes of Washington, Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Marshland Flood District and Snohomish County.

Seattle District’s Emergency Management section provides engineering services responding to national and natural disasters, minimizing damages and helping in recovery efforts. PL 84-99 enables the Corps of Engineers to assist tribal, state and local authorities in flood fight activities and cost share in flood protection structure repair. Private residents and businesses needing assistance should work through their local government entities.