After reviewing the potential alternatives and technical details, the City selected an option that expands the width and decreases the slope of the levee. This provides better protection from not only the height of the water, but the erosive effect of rising, fast moving floodwaters and less ongoing maintenance.
This does require a few key improvements to the area, most notably moving Ferndale Road so that it reroutes from just south of Star Park, around the Phillips 66 ballfields, before connecting to Second Avenue. This route would include traffic calming devices such as speed bumps, and would enhance and activate the space with pedestrian improvements including sidewalks and trees, and a recreation space on the far side of the ballfields.
Also, as part of expanding the levee, the City would be able to extend the Riverwalk, allowing a direct pedestrian path from Main Street to Star Park, addressing a long-term community goal of improving the resident's connection to the river.
As this is a critical project for preventing future flooding, most of the funding necessary is expected to come from the Washington State Department of Ecology as part of the Floodplain by Design program.
