The King County Flood Control District, the city of Kent and other partners received the prestigious John D. Spellman Award for Historic Preservation for the Lower Russell Levee Setback Project along the Green River.
Flood District Executive Director Michelle Clark accepted the award on behalf of the district Dec. 10 at a ceremony at the Kenmore Community Club, celebrating outstanding contributions to historic preservation throughout King County. The levee setback project was completed in 2023.
“The Lower Russell Levee Setback Project is a shining example of how flood mitigation projects can protect lives and property while honoring the cultural and historical legacies of our region,” said Reagan Dunn, chair of the King County Flood Control District, in a Dec. 12 press release. “This award reflects the dedication and hard work of Michelle Clark and all the project partners. I, along with the entire Board of Supervisors, am particularly proud of the positive impact this project has for the residents of Kent and King County.”
At its core, the $58 million Lower Russell Levee Setback Project reimagines flood risk management, according to the Flood District. By replacing and upgrading 1.4 miles of levee and reconnecting over 40 acres of floodplain, the project not only ensures robust protection against a 500-year flood event but also revitalizes the ecological health of the Green River.
A key component of the project’s success was its deep commitment to honoring the cultural and historical significance of the area. Collaboration with regional tribes, including the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Suquamish Tribe, Snoqualmie Indian Tribe, Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians and Tulalip Tribes, played an integral role in the project’s development. Traditional fishing sites were preserved, teaching and cooking stations were established, and archaeological reviews safeguarded cultural artifacts.
The city of Kent relocated its Van Doren’s Landing Park, 21901 Russell Road, to make room for the levee setback.
Clark emphasized the vital partnerships that contributed to the project’s success.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award on behalf of the incredible team that made the Lower Russell Levee Setback Project a reality,” Clark said. “This achievement would not have been possible without the collaboration of our tribal, federal, city, and county partners. Together, we not only improved flood protection for the community but also preserved and celebrated the cultural and historical significance of this area for future generations.”
The city of Kent was a vital partner helping the project reach its successful conclusion.
“The City of Kent was very happy to partner with the King County Flood Control District and coordinate with the stakeholders on this valuable Green River Project to preserve the irreplaceable cultural resources that were on the project site,” said Kent Mayor Dana Ralph. “The history of this area and its people is an incredible story, and we sincerely appreciate being a part of the team that was able to learn about this story through this project. Thank you to King County for the recognition of the time and energy that was dedicated to the cultural preservation work by the city, the King County Flood Control District, the Muckleshoot and Suquamish Indian Tribes, and King County, through the John D. Spellman Historic Preservation Award.”
In addition to Clark, several key contributors to the project were also recognized for their significant roles:
• Lorin Reinelt, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Water and Land Resources Division
• Warren KingGeorge, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Preservation Department
• Dennis Lewarch and Stephanie Trudel, Suquamish Tribe, Fisheries Department, Archaeology and Historic Preservation Program
• Brian Levenhagen, City of Kent, Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department and Toby Hallock, City of Kent, Public Works Department
The John D. Spellman Awards, named for King County’s first executive and the 18th governor of Washington, celebrate achievements in historic preservation. Spellman established the County’s Historic Preservation Program in 1980, laying a foundation for continued stewardship of King County’s rich cultural heritage.
The King County Flood Control District is a countywide special purpose district created in 2007 by the County Council and funded by property taxes to provide flood risk reduction capital projects and programs to the residents of King County.
Talk to us
Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.
To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.
