The King County Flood Control District has approved over $4.4 million in grant funding to four major watersheds to support ongoing salmon recovery efforts. the Lake Washington/Cedar/Sammamish Watershed will receive more than $1.8 million.

“In this hot, dry year, our prized Chinook salmon are in peril in our area rivers. Consequently, restoration work in King County watersheds and effective collaboration with our partners is more important than ever,” said Larry Phillips, chair of the King County Council and of the WRIA 8 Salmon Recovery Council. “This funding is critical for implementing projects that will improve conditions for spawning and rearing salmon and the health of our watersheds as a whole.”

The Snoqualmie Watershed, Green/Duwamish Watershed and Puyallup/White Watershed will also receive money to work with member cities, tribal governments and non-profit organizations on high priority restoration projects and educational programs to enhance water quality and habitat for salmon. Chinook and steelhead were placed on the threatened list under the Endangered Species Act in 1999.

“The weather this year has created difficult issues for salmon recovery efforts,” said Reagan Dunn, chair of the King County Flood Control District. “The funding we were able to provide in grants should, when added to other available funding, provide additional assistance to important salmon recovery projects being undertaken in King County.”

“We are grateful to the King County Flood Control District Board of Supervisors for their leadership and focus on multi-benefit projects that align with our salmon habitat priorities,” said Jason Mulvihill-Kuntz, Watershed Coordinator for WRIA 8. “Their financial support is key to our recovery efforts.”

For a list of projects, visit the King County Flood Control District website, http://www.kingcountyfloodcontrol.org/.