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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 />