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Flood Safety Updates: Learn about Proposed Measure 26-243In May 2024, Multnomah County voters in the flood district will have the opportunity to vote on a bond measure which would upgrade flood safety infrastructure, protecting water quality, communities, businesses, and the environment if passed. The current flood safety system is over 100 years old. In a changing climate, the system does not meet the federal government’s current flood control requirements. ​​If passed, bond proceeds would upgrade aging infrastructure along the Columbia River. If passed, the estimated annual tax rate for bonds would be $0.11 per $1,000 of assessed property value. The owner of a home assessed at $246,712 would pay $26.27 per year or $2.19 per month. 

Congress authorized nearly $100 million for flood safety projects in Multnomah County. If the measure passes, the District could use the tax revenue to provide the local match necessary to access the federal funds.​​If passed, the District would establish a bond oversight committee and require audits. Learn More HERE Federal Support for Flood Safety 

The Portland Metro Levee System project – a partnership between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Flood Safety Districts – aims to upgrade the century-old flood safety system along the Columbia River to meet the new federal standards and improve levee safety. In a changing climate, this project raises levees and upgrades floodwalls, pumps, pipes, and drains to increase the resilience and reliability of the system, reduce flood damages, and decrease flood response and recovery time. The PMLS project continues to receive strong federal support. The project has been included in the President’s Recommended Budgets for FY22, FY23, and, last month, was in the FY24 recommended budget. Congress has appropriated federal funding for the past two federal budgets and the District and partners will pursue an FY24 appropriation to complete the design phase. The next major lift will be to secure a Construction New Start in the FY25 federal budget. That designation, along with Congressional appropriations and local matching funds, will allow the construction of the PMLS project. Recent Project and Events

In March, our partners with The Street Trust and SOLVE teamed up to clean up the 142nd Ave cross levee. Volunteers braved the cold and wet and collected 1500 pounds of trash. Multnomah County Drainage District is working with the Street Trust and neighborhood leaders to envision new uses for this site – including a multi-use bike path New Trash Rakes at Critical Pump Station Pump stations are an important part of the flood safety system along the Columbia River – they prevent flooding by moving stormwater that collects in the Columbia Slough to the surrounding waterways. Without these pump stations, the area along the Columbia River that provides protection for thousands of residents and jobs and essential services would flood during storm events. As pump stations draw in water, they also draw in downed trees, leaves, aquatic plants, and more. Trash rakes keep pump intakes clear so water is able to move efficiently, ensuring the safety of MCDD employees who work diligently to maintain these crucial systems.

MCDD recently installed trash rakes at a critical pump station, Pump Station 4, that manages stormwater during our heaviest rain events. These trash rakes allow the water to move more freely to our pumps. This upgrade will help us adapt to a changing climate that is leading to more frequent extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall. Join our community partners for the Slough Celebration 2024 on Saturday, May 18, from 2 – 6 PM at Whitaker Ponds, as the Columbia Slough Watershed Council marks 22 years of nonprofit service.

This family-friendly event promises an afternoon filled with paddling, birding, stewardship activities, outdoor education, and more! Enjoy free food, drinks, music, and a chance to win exciting prizes in our raffle. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate our community and the stunning local watershed.

RSVP now to participate in this vibrant community gathering. For directions, parking details, and more event information, click the button below. We look forward to seeing you there!

Become an Event Sponsor! Email amanda.gallegos@columbiaslough.org for more details.

For a more connected and inclusive community, come out and celebrate with us! RSVP + More Details HERE Follow Multnomah County Drainage District! Facebook Twitter Website LinkedIn 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.

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