Cedar River Work Aims To Reduce Flood Risk, Boost Salmon Habitat

KING COUNTY, WA — King County crews have begun a major restoration project along the Cedar River, aiming to boost conditions for native Chinook salmon and reduce the flood risk between Renton and Maple Valley.

The Riverbend Restoration Project is taking place in unincorporated South King County and builds on the previous Rainbow Bend Restoration Project near the Cedar River Trail.

According to King County Executive Dow Constantine, the latest 52-acre project will restore a mile-long stretch of the river to its natural state, slowing the water and allowing for a shallow habitat that allows native Chinook salmon to flourish.

"We are steadily restoring the Cedar River toward its natural state, reducing flood risks, improving salmon habitat, and providing a more reliable food source for Puget Sound orca," Constantine wrote in a statement. "Our successful restoration projects upsteam provide a model for a unified effort, guided by science to achieve multiple benefits for all living things that call King County home."

According to the county, levee projects in the 20th century created fast-moving rivers that made life difficult for salmon and required substantial work to reduce flood and erosion risks. The new projects widen the river, allowing for slower and more shallow conditions.

Officials expect the first phase of the $15 million project will be completed by the end of the year, building flood protection along the edge of the floodplain.

Learn more about the project on the King County website.