Flood Control Assistance Account Program

The Flood Control Assistance Account Program is a state-administered grant program established by the Washington State Legislature in 1984 and managed by the Washington State Department of Ecology through its Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program. The program provides financial assistance to local jurisdictions to support floodplain management efforts that reduce flood risk, protect public safety, and enhance environmental outcomes. It operates under a biennial funding structure and is governed by state statutes and administrative rules that define eligibility, allowable activities, and program requirements. This program is structured as a single grant program with two distinct funding tracks: a competitive planning grant track and a rolling emergency grant track. While both tracks operate under the same program authority, share the same funding pool, and are administered through the same agency, they have different application timelines, evaluation processes, and funding purposes. The planning track is competitively awarded during a defined application window, while the emergency track remains open on a rolling basis to address urgent flood-related needs. For the purpose of this record, the program is represented as a single grant opportunity, with the currently active emergency funding track determining the application status and timeline. The planning component of the program supports the development and implementation of Comprehensive Flood Hazard Management Plans and related activities. Eligible planning projects include feasibility and technical studies, floodplain mapping, permitting work, and public outreach efforts. These projects are evaluated through a competitive scoring process, with priority given to proposals that benefit underserved or overburdened communities. The most recent planning application cycle opened on January 1, 2025 and closed on February 27, 2025, and is no longer accepting applications. The emergency component of the program provides funding for immediate flood response and recovery activities tied to declared flood emergencies. Eligible emergency projects include debris removal, infrastructure repair, and actions necessary to protect public health and safety. Emergency funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis and requires applicants to coordinate directly with the program administrator to initiate the application process. This track opened on July 1, 2025 and remains available through June 30, 2027, or until available funds are exhausted. Funding for the program is appropriated on a biennial basis, with approximately 1.5 million dollars available for the 2025 to 2027 cycle. Individual awards for planning projects are capped at 500,000 dollars per county, although typical awards may be lower depending on available funds and demand. All funded projects require cost sharing, with a 25 percent match required for planning projects and a 20 percent match required for emergency response projects. Matching contributions may include cash expenditures, in-kind services, or other eligible contributions that directly support project implementation. Eligible applicants include cities, towns, counties, conservation districts, special purpose districts such as flood control districts, and federally recognized Tribes located within Washington State. The program prioritizes projects that address flood risks in vulnerable communities and encourages integrated planning approaches that incorporate environmental, social, and infrastructure considerations. All grant agreements must be completed within the biennium and expire on June 30, 2027, with strict requirements for reporting, reimbursement, and compliance with applicable regulations.

Clearly define flood risks and outcomes; prioritize underserved communities; ensure readiness and realistic budgeting