King County has scheduled public meetings in Carnation, Renton and Auburn in early December to meet with residents and talk about strategies for reducing flood risks and protecting people, businesses and the County’s economic infrastructure.

Meetings are scheduled from 6-8:30 p.m. on the following dates and locations: Tuesday, Dec. 4 in Carnation at the SnoValley Senior Center, 4610 Stephens Ave.; Wednesday, Dec. 5 in Renton at the Highlands Neighborhood Center, 800 Edmonds Ave. N.E.; and Thursday, Dec. 6 in Auburn at the William C. Warren Building, 405 E. St. N.E. (formerly Veterans Memorial Building, in Veterans Memorial Park).

King County staff will present proposed flood risk reduction strategies as part of the County’s Flood Hazard Management Plan update, which is scheduled to be completed next year.

The County’s flood plan update includes new flood risk assessments and projects, and a review of the plan’s goals, objectives and guiding principles.

The update will also consider issues that have emerged since 2006, when the current flood plan was developed, such as: Levee certification and accreditation; Levee vegetation management; and consideration of social justice and outreach to vulnerable populations in high-risk flood zones.

Adopting an updated flood plan ensures that King County continues to receive its high rating for floodplain management by the National Flood Insurance Program – which results in a 40 percent discount in flood insurance premiums for unincorporated King County residents.

A draft of the flood plan update is expected to be completed in January, and a formal public comment period and public meeting schedule will be established at that time.

Information on the King County Flood Hazard Management Plan update is available at www.kingcounty.gov/floodservices. Click on the “Flooding Documents” link on the left-hand side of the page.