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KITTITAS COUNTY <br />DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS <br />PUBLIC WORKS — BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS <br />STUDY SESSION STAFF REPORT <br />STUDY SESSION DATE: August 25, 2025 <br />TOPIC: FEMA Map Changes - Yakima River Easton Reach <br />ACTION REQUESTED: Direction to Staff <br />LEAD STAFF: <br />Arden Thomas <br />RECOMMENDATION: <br />Direct staff to mail informational sheets to affected landowners. <br />BRIEFING SUMMARY: <br />• In 2023, the Kittitas County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) completed the <br />Easton Reach River Flood Hazard Analysis and Mapping Investigation. <br />• The results of this study were compared to the Federal Emergency Management <br />Agency (FEMA) regulatory flood maps. <br />• The FCZD study found that the floodplain extents were generally wider than <br />those shown on FEMA's regulatory maps. The study identified areas with both <br />increased and decreased base flood elevations and flood risk. It also indicated that <br />the regulatory floodway would need to be expanded. <br />• Kittitas County Code 14.08.105 (Duties and Responsibilities of the Floodplain <br />Administrator) requires the County to notify FEMA of any changes to base flood <br />elevations within six months. The updated technical information was submitted to <br />FEMA, and a map amendment is anticipated. A public appeal period will follow. <br />• Kittitas County will publish a public notice in the paper of record. Staff also <br />recommend mailing an informational sheet to affected landowners. <br />BACKGROUND: <br />In 2023, the Kittitas County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) completed the Easton <br />Reach River Flood Hazard Analysis and Mapping Investigation, covering an 11-mile <br />section downstream of Easton Dam. <br />Since 1996, flood hazard planning has recognized that the Elk Meadows, Elk Meadows <br />Park, Pine Glen, and Sun Island communities are regularly impacted by Yakima River <br />flooding. These neighborhoods are the most frequently inundated areas in unincorporated <br />Kittitas County and have been identified as repetitive loss areas. <br />Although flood risks in these communities have been a longstanding concern, no <br />comprehensive flood risk studies had been conducted until this assessment. The purpose <br />Page 1 of 2 <br />Public Works "Work Session Staff Report", 2025 <br />