Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District

New District in the News In 2019, we worked with the Oregon Legislature to create a new special district  to modernize the management of the flood safety system along the lower Columbia River and Columbia Slough in greater Portland.  This new the Urban Flood Safety & Water Quality District (UFSWQD) will ultimately replace the four century-old Drainage Districts (PEN1, PEN2, MCDD, & SDIC) that manage the system today.

“State’s newest agency aims to stop catastrophic Portland flood” by Jim Redden, Portland Tribune

Read the Article

And get more information about the UFSWQD here

Mission, Vision and Values

The legislature created the UFSWQD to reduce the risk of flooding,  respond to flood emergencies, contribute to the environment, prepare for the impacts of climate change, remember the cultural history of the area along the Columbia River in greater Portland, and promote equity through this work.   In December 2021, the UFSWQD Board adopted its first Vision, Mission & Values statements, which will lay the foundation for developing the District’s new policies and programs in the coming years.

Read the Vision & Mission Here

Two Board Members Needed Are you interested in helping to shape the future of flood safety in the region? The initial UFSWQD Board currently has two vacant positions for representatives of nonprofit organizations with interest in the area along the river. One seat is reserved for a representative of an environmental justice organization.  Please help spread the word and contact Emily at erobertson@mcdd.org for more information.

Other Drainage District News

Working Together for a Resilient Columbia Slough

What does a healthy and resilient Columbia Slough look like to you?  Our new report highlights shared environmental goals and opportunities derived from interviews with 22 organizations that care about the Slough. Read the full report, or the two-page summary. This project was facilitated by Willamette Partnership and led jointly by Multnomah County Drainage District; City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services; and Columbia Slough Watershed Council  Get Involved

Upcoming Events Join us for two upcoming clean up events in partnership with SOLVE: Marine Drive Clean-up: Part 1 When: Wednesday, January 19th from 10am to 12:30pm  Meeting Location: 11633 NE Glenn Widing Dr, Portland, Oregon, 97200 Register Here Marine Drive Clean-up: Part 2 When: Wednesday, January 26th Meeting Location: 11633 NE Glenn Widing Dr, Portland, Oregon, 97200. Register Here Join us to clean up areas that benefit ongoing flood safety along the Columbia River and Columbia Slough.

Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan Feedback Thank you to everyone who participated in the Natural

Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) survey this fall!  In total, we received 231 survey responses related to levee improvements, maintenance and monitoring, environmental improvements, and education and outreach.  MCDD staff are currently working to integrate your feedback into the draft plan, which will be available for public comment in February or March 2022.   For more information about the NHMP, click here.   Follow the Drainage Districts! Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram (LRC)  Our Mission: To enhance community safety and support the region’s vitality by reducing flood risk, maintaining our levee system, managing drainage, and responding to emergencies. Peninsula Drainage District #1 | Peninsula Drainage District #2 Multnomah County Drainage District #1 | Sandy Drainage Improvement Company  Copyright © 2019 Multnomah County Drainage District #1, all rights reserved.