WASHINGTON — Federal officials have approved nearly $21 million in flood mitigation funding for projects in Washington and Oregon, including about $300,000 for Snohomish County, as communities across the Pacific Northwest face increasing risks from severe weather and rising floodwaters.
The funding, announced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is part of a broader $250 million allocation for more than 100 projects nationwide aimed at reducing long-term flood risk. The investments are being distributed through FEMA’s Flood Mitigation Assistance program, which supports infrastructure improvements, planning and risk reduction efforts in flood-prone areas.
In Snohomish County, the nearly $300,000 award will fund a countywide flood risk study focused on infrastructure vulnerabilities. The study is expected to inform future projects designed to protect communities along major river systems, including the Snohomish and Stillaguamish rivers, where flooding has become more frequent and severe in recent years.
U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, a Democrat representing Washington’s 1st Congressional District, said the funding will help local governments better prepare for disasters that are becoming more common across the region.
“Our communities don’t have the time or ability to wait month after month for the federal resources they need to help prepare for the next natural disaster,” DelBene said in a statement. “Washington has faced more frequent and intense flooding in recent years. These resources will help the county better prepare to protect lives and property.”
The Snohomish County funding was initially approved in June 2025 but was delayed for months pending federal authorization. DelBene, along with Reps. Rick Larsen and Kim Schrier, pressed federal officials in December to release the funds, citing ongoing extreme weather and the urgency of flood preparedness.
The delay came amid a broader backlog of funding requests at the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees FEMA. Officials said the agency has been working to clear that backlog while continuing to distribute funds during a prolonged federal appropriations lapse — now described by federal officials as the longest in U.S. history.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, FEMA officials said the agency remains committed to delivering resources despite the funding challenges.
“FEMA is working diligently to address the backlog of funding requests,” the agency said, noting that it has continued to allocate funds to states even during the lapse in appropriations.
The Pacific Northwest funding includes several projects aimed at reducing flood risks to infrastructure, homes and critical services.
The largest award — nearly $19 million — will go to the city of Hillsboro, Oregon, for the replacement of a culvert in the Glencoe Swale. The project is designed to reduce flood risks to residential areas, key utilities and two major roadways.
In Washington, the city of Enumclaw will receive nearly $930,000 for the design of a culvert replacement along Newaukum Creek, a project intended to reduce recurring flooding that has affected nearby neighborhoods.
Other projects include approximately $550,000 for the city of La Grande, Oregon, to relocate a sewer line and replace a culvert near 18th Street, and nearly $180,000 for the Washington State Department of Ecology to develop a flood risk reduction strategy for frequently flooded areas.
Flooding remains the most common and costly natural disaster in the United States, according to FEMA, accounting for billions of dollars in damages annually. Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of flooding events, particularly in regions like the Pacific Northwest, where heavy rainfall, snowmelt and river overflow can combine to create dangerous conditions.
Local officials say proactive investments like those funded through FEMA’s program are critical to reducing long-term costs and protecting communities.
“Mitigation is one of the most effective tools we have,” FEMA said in its announcement. “By investing in projects before disasters occur, we can reduce the overall impact on people, property and infrastructure.”
In Snohomish County, officials have long grappled with flood risks tied to its complex network of rivers and low-lying areas. Seasonal flooding has historically affected farmland, residential neighborhoods and transportation corridors, sometimes forcing evacuations and causing significant economic damage.
The countywide study funded by FEMA is expected to provide updated data on flood risks, identify vulnerable infrastructure and guide future mitigation projects. Such studies often serve as the foundation for securing additional federal or state funding for construction and engineering improvements.
DelBene emphasized that timely access to federal resources is essential for communities trying to stay ahead of worsening weather patterns.
“By finally unlocking these funds, communities along the Snohomish, Stillaguamish, and other river systems and waterways will be better prepared for future flooding,” she said.
While the funding announcement highlights progress, it also underscores ongoing challenges in the federal funding process. The months-long delay in releasing already-approved funds drew criticism from lawmakers, who warned that bureaucratic slowdowns can leave communities vulnerable during critical periods.
The broader appropriations lapse has added complexity to federal disaster preparedness efforts, though agencies have continued to distribute certain funds and maintain operations tied to public safety.
Despite those challenges, FEMA officials said the latest round of funding demonstrates continued federal support for mitigation efforts nationwide.
The agency’s Flood Mitigation Assistance program is funded through the National Flood Insurance Program and focuses on reducing or eliminating long-term risk to people and property from flooding. Projects eligible for funding include infrastructure upgrades, property acquisition, floodproofing and planning initiatives.
Experts say such programs are increasingly important as climate-related risks grow.
“Flooding is not just a coastal issue — it affects communities across the country,” FEMA said. “Investments in mitigation help ensure communities are more resilient and better able to recover when disasters occur.”
In Washington and Oregon, where geography and climate create a range of flood risks, local governments have increasingly sought federal assistance to address aging infrastructure and changing environmental conditions.
The projects announced this week reflect a mix of immediate infrastructure needs and longer-term planning efforts, both of which officials say are necessary to build resilience.
For communities like Snohomish County, the funding represents a step forward after months of uncertainty.
Local leaders have not yet detailed a timeline for the flood risk study, but such projects typically involve data collection, modeling and coordination with state and federal agencies.
As the Pacific Northwest continues to face unpredictable weather patterns, officials say the importance of preparation cannot be overstated.
“Flood mitigation is about protecting lives and livelihoods,” FEMA said. “These investments help communities reduce risk and build a safer future.”
The newly released funding is expected to be distributed to recipients in the coming months, with projects moving forward as planning and permitting processes are completed.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
