City Receives Funding from King County to Improve Waterways

Published on January 21, 2020

KIRKLAND, Wash. – The City of Kirkland was awarded over $177,500 from the King County WaterWorks Grant Program to protect and improve local waterways in 2020.

The King County WaterWorks Grant Program provides funding for projects that improve water quality in the King County regional wastewater system service area. This funding will facilitate four water quality improvement projects, all aimed at protecting and enhancing the City’s natural waterways through riparian habitat restoration, improved stormwater management, proactive efforts to rehabilitate degraded areas near streams and the replanting of native species in various parks and natural areas.

Thanks to the King County Council for funding these important projects!

Juanita Creek buffer restoration

This project received $34,000 to restore forested riparian buffers in Edith Moulton, Brookhaven and Juanita Beach Park. All three parks are located along Juanita Creek, the largest stream in Kirkland. Juanita Creek has documented use by salmon.

Forest restoration at Watershed Park

This project received $22,035 to help restore a challenging site to forested conditions. This grant award will not only help fund an effort to replant native species but will also allow partners to water the plants for the first three years after planting to help increase chances of survival. Watershed Park is in south Kirkland west of Bridle Trails State Park.

N.E. 111th Place Neighborhood Greenway Rain Garden

This project received $86,500 to construct an approximately 350 square foot rain garden to enhance stormwater management in North Rose Hill. The rain garden will be installed along the N.E. 111th Place Neighborhood Greenway, a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly transportation corridor meant to encourage walking and biking. This project includes sidewalks and other improvements.

77th Avenue N.E. Property Acquisition and Restoration

This project was awarded $35,000 to help the City acquire and restore a vacant parcel of land in the Finn Hill area. The property is located at the headwaters of a tributary to Denny Creek, which flows directly into Lake Washington. The funding will allow the City to restore 1,850 feet of degraded habitat through the reintroduction of native species, including trees, shrubs and groundcovers.

King County authorized funding for a total of 69 new community projects through the WaterWorks Grant Program, which operates on a two-year cycle. For more information about the King County WaterWorks Grant Program, please visit: https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/grants-and-awards/~/link.aspx?_id=21218B862B5E4110988FDC33B0054BBB&_z=z