The City of Burien conducted a study and is currently working on solutions for widespread chronic flooding in the Boulevard Park neighborhood.
Project Location
Boulevard Park neighborhood of Burien. Project area boundaries are South 120th Street to the north, 12th Avenue South to the west, Des Moines Memorial Drive South to the east, and South 136th Street to the south.
Project Overview
A primarily privately owned stormwater conveyance system flows through the Boulevard Park neighborhood west of Des Moines Memorial Dr in Burien. The neighborhood has experienced nuisance flooding for many years, but circumstances have changed in recent years that have exacerbated this flooding and resulted in annual significant flooding of several properties and structures, beyond what was experienced previously. This study analyzes the likely causes of both the long-term chronic flooding and the more recent severe flooding, researches possible solutions, and proposes a recommended solution to permanently alleviate this flooding.
Project Documents
Boulevard Park Flood Reduction Study and Interactive Map (for desktop)
Boulevard Park Flood Reduction Study and Interactive Map (for mobile)
Project Status
The initial phase included completing a flooding study in 2022 and working with Valley View Sewer District to incorporate stormwater improvements into their sewer main extension project. The City of Burien repurposed $400,000 in COVID-19 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to help cover the cost of the stormwater work.
This project is currently in its second phase. An interlocal agreement is being drafted for the partnership, with plans to enter construction in the fall or winter of 2025. This work is expected to resolve the most significant chronic flooding issues near the 1200 block of South 124th Street.
A potential third phase of this project could be started as early as 2026, utilizing federal water resources funding administered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This funding is for $5 million with a 25% match from the City of Burien and would include additional stormwater improvements downstream of the phase two work.
Project Manager
Dan O'Brien
Stormwater Engineer
(206) 241-4647
[email protected]
Updated March 21, 2025