City of Lake Forest Park awarded $3 million from FEMA to construct flood reduction project

Lyon Creek flows behind and around the Town Center, under Bothell Way, through Sheridan Beach and into Lake Washington. It has flooded three times in the past 25 years, leaving homes, businesses, and roads under water. It is particularly difficult when Lyon Creek flows into McAleer Creek (lower left in this view). The red line is the planned culvert to divert overflow directly to Lake Washington.

On October 1, 2012 the City was awarded a $3 million grant from FEMA to complete design and construction of the Lyon Creek Bypass Project. The 60-inch bypass will provide flood protection for the Sheridan Beach and Town Center area of the City by capturing high flows upstream of the floodplain and diverting them to a point downstream near Lake Washington.

The City and elected officials have worked tirelessly for many years to identify and acquire funding for this $4.235 million project. King County Flood Control District has committed to providing $1.05 million and the City is responsible for the remaining $185K. Much of the City’s funding share has already been spent design the project to its current level.

Project Schedule

• Design: October 2012 – October 2013
• Public Involvement: Ongoing
• Construction: October 2013 – September 2015
• Project Complete: September 2015

The City is committed to ensuring that the project is environmentally/fish friendly. The City has worked to provide numerous opportunities for public involvement and will continue to provide opportunities to ensure the project is designed to protect the environment and the fish population.

Learn more about the project